do i need to download microsoft updates

[wickedtart]

I am running windows xp and although never a problem before, last week an automatic update file downloaded and although it did not affect my browsing the web, i could not either access or send emails from outlook. I am running Norton Anti virus, do i need microsoft downloads as well? thanks

[fo3nix]

its always best to run updates, yes.

software (computer programs) sometimes have security holes in them. this is just like a bucket of water with a hole in the bottom: it leaks! but with a security hole in software, it means that your personal information can get out, or others can get in, and get access to your personal information.

when the company that writes the software finds out about a hole, they release a patch for it, that patches it up (just as with a bucket of water being fixed). this is also called an update, though an update can include several patches at once.

when there are enough updates, eventually microsoft releases a service pack, with all of this updates bundled into one download. XP currently is on service pack 2 (SP2).

so it's best to have the latest SP. but with SP2, lots of programs stopped working, for instance. one reason was that it turned on the windows firewall by default, that could block programs like outlook.

i would recommend running all possible updates, then seeing what works and what doesn't. ideally though, you run all updates on a fresh system, then install all your programs and things.

[Mattk]

tomorrow...firewalls for 6 year olds

do i(me) detect(notice) a slightly condescending tone ?

[wickedtart]

hi fo

I just looked in my add programmes etc and there is a SP2 with no date on it. If i download again and it turn on the windows firewall if i turn this off will i be able to get my emails from outlook?

[fo3nix]

open internet explorer, goto www.windowsupdate.com, and do whatever it suggests you download. restart system once all is complete.

at the bottom-right, you'll see a shield, and if you double-click that, then you open up the windows security center. it'll tell you if the firewall is activiated or not. if it is, try turning it off, and see if outlook works. if it does, just re-active it, and go into the properties for it (at the bottom of that window), and all outlook to the allowed programs list.

even better, disable the security center entirely, and take care of your own security by running and taking care of your own antivirus, spyware and firewall programs. If you want to do this, let me know and i'll tell you how.