Is this necessary???

[Braindrain]

I'm so aggravated! I was trying to do some things on my own website
and a message popped up: Microsoft Internet Explorer has encountered
a problem and needs to close, etc. Do you want to send an error report?
So, I said yes. Well, after about forever, I got this message:

Problem caused by Microsoft Internet Explorer

However, your computer is missing updates that can help improve its stability and security.

Recommendation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Install high-priority updates from the Microsoft Update website.

Use Automatic Updates to keep your computer up to date.

With Automatic Updates, you don't have to search for updates online or worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer. Windows automatically checks for the latest important updates for your computer. Depending on the Automatic Updates settings you choose, Windows can install updates automatically or just let you know they're available.

To learn more about Automatic Updates, read Microsoft Update and other services: Frequently asked questions online.
************************************************** ****
I have no idea what they mean by "critical updates". Is this really
something that I need to do, or are they trying to get me to use
something I don't need/want? I really don't want to do automatic
updates, because I don't know what's being downloaded into the
computer. Which means I don't know if it's useful, or just junk.

Thanks!

[ian]

Hi Gina
when a message comes up like that again press 'don't send' ... as i have learnt that way

[nide44]

Examine the updates they say you should have.
If they are for programs or in areas that I don't use,
I forget about 'em. The critical updates are sometomes useful.

Most of the updates, I've found are related to someone usuing
my computer as a slave to either hack or email (take over my computer)
when I'm not watching. Since I sign on and off daily and turn the durn thing off overnite- I'm not concerned.

If you've got a direct line like cable, and never turn your system off- mebbe ther'e a chance of it happening.

[Braindrain]

I never turn the computer off, but we have DSL, not cable. My mother
wants to go back to cable, though. I hated it, because the connection
would be lost several times a day and then I'd have to get on the phone
with our ISP and get them to connect us again. Oh, and I "loved" this: we
still only had the Mac at the time, so when the person I was talking to asked
what operating system I was using, and I said, "a Mac", the first thing they
said was, "Oh, we don't service Macs!" Excuse me?! We'd had the Mac for
5 years at that point and we'd had the cable company as our ISP the whole
time, and they "don't service Macs"?! Why were we paying all this money
for internet service, if they "don't service Macs"? So, then, I'd have to
argue with our internet service provider, to get them to actually provide
internet service!:mad:

I'll take a look at the updates the next time I get the message-there's
always a "next time".:rolleyes:

Thanks!:)

[Mike Weins]

If I remember correctly you have an old version of IE on your MAC right? Can the MAC handle the updates? Only way to find out is to update.

[Braindrain]

I'll pass the information along to my mother-it's her Mac so she has to be
the one to update it. That was the other thing, though: I have the most
current version of IE on my PC, but I don't think they make IE for the Mac
anymore. Didn't they stop supporting IE for Mac a couple of years ago?

[Mike Weins]

I don't know :( I don't pay attention to MAC stuff :p