Should I load the Windows, Java and Adobe updates that are offered in the little pop-up notices by my system clock?
A. For Java and Adobe, the updates are never “emergencies”. You should keep your installed version relatively current to avoid problems, but you don’t have to always have the latest version. Update these occasionally, when your schedule permits. For Windows updates, the answer is more difficult. In general, yes, you should load the updates when they are offered. Microsoft typically offers new updates every two weeks, although items deemed critical may be offered more frequently. There is always a risk that an update will break something, but this risk is small and you can always uninstall the update if you run into this problem. A special case involves the latest version of Internet Explorer, version 8. Microsoft recently changed this from “recommended” status to “critical”, meaning it now will load as part of the “automatic updates” with the yellow shield icon by your system clock. Internet Explorer 8 contains many security enhancements, which is a good thing. Unfortunately, it also c
