[Westpark]

My computer with Windows XP is set for Automatic Updates. Is it safe to turn that off?

[LiveBrianD]

It's a not idea, as security flaws may later be discovered and patched, but you'll miss the patches. (you can update manually, however, by going to update.microsoft.com from Internet Explorer)

[david2001]

no

[LincolnSpector]

Some people whose opinions I respect (but don't always agree with) argue that you should turn off automatic updates. The argument is that updates can, on occasion, do more harm than good. When a new update comes out, they argue, you should wait a few days, read the buzz, and then decide to do the update.

I don't agree. That's only practical for a true nerd, and even then, it will probably cost you more time in the long run than dealing with the damaged caused by a rare bad update.

Lincoln

[LiveBrianD]

Fyi, I've never had an issue with bad updates before, and don't disable them.

[alishathomaz]

Its good that your windows automatically updates... keep it update.

[snorg]

If you have a high speed connection like most people dont turn off automatic updates.

Because I have a slow dialup connection I set updates to manual, if your are on dialup you could do this too.