Install or not to install! that is the question!!

If it ain't broke don't fix it. If your computer is running good and doing what you want it to then forget all these updates.

Hi bunnybon, Here's a rule of thumb you might wish to use. Only install something "on demand". If you feel you NEED this, then install it. Otherwise, why bother putting an white elephant in your computer? Updates are fine, once you have the programs already there, then updates just fixed issues in the previous version of the programs you have already installed. Shockwave is useful to have so you can install that. As for the one for pc performance, I don't know which you are referring to. But yes, there are such programs around that help you tweak your PC's performance. If you find your computer slow, you may wish to try them. Cheers!

I can understand how difficult it will be for a beginner. I appreciate your patience Bunny. Actually you need to install Adobe shock wave player. This will help you to view online videos. Most of the software have to be updated. so I recommend you to install best anti virus software and do updates regularly which will prevent the harmful things and makes laptop as your best friend. me too start using the computer similar way, now I am proud to be an software engineer. ALL THE BEST. TAKE CARE

I panic over all the warnings microsoft throws up. "warning: Are you sure you want to - " or "warning, this page contains -blah blah I never know what to do with those updates either. Especially for programs i didn't even know I had. Sometimes, I think it's only another way to get info from us, they trace our usage of their program with their updates. I guess I'm paranoid. travel lightly anawar

Most new software nowadays come with auto update functionality and it will check the internet for a new version of the programs whenever you are connected to the internet. It is safe to go ahead and install the update but please make sure that you have read all the instructions carefully so that you do not mess anything up on your computer. Once in a while when you are browsing the internet, and if you do not use any pop up blocker on your web browser, there will be screens popping up asking you to install or download this and that. Be careful with those things since they can virus or bad stuffs that could cripple your computer or give access to your data to hackers. So, if it is not related to the programs that you have, then just close it. It is good to make a list of the programs and their versions for easy reference when asked to upgrade. Cheers!

Yr best bet is if you don't know what yr doing, don't install. And if you get the spyware/adware/virus scan pop-ups, NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER install, unless you feel like reinstalling all the original software after it crashes.

Hey bunny Even im not a computer savvy , i dont even know why these pop ups are coming on lol, i sometimes done this and i dont know whether it really harmed my pc or not.. adobe is needed so you can update , i dont think it will harm your pc .

Heheeh.. I have a simple policy. If my lappie wants to install something, I just allow it. I have great faith in its ability to know what it needs. Honestly, I am no techie, and I really dunno about all these things. :) Cheers and happy mylotting

It depends.When you open any application it will ask you that a new version is available.would you like to update?if you say no the application will still run.If the version becomes very old the application will stop running and ask you to install the new version.

You should install any Microsoft Windows Updates because some are security patches and are required for any new threats.. Not installing it may leave your PC vulnerable. Any others you can decide whether or not to.. I have an anti-virus software provided by my ISP which alerts me when any program or software is trying to connect to the internet and I decide whether or not to allow or block it as some need regular software updates and I do it when I am using the particular program.

i feel the same way. i am very limited to what i do on my computer. that'smy fault, i just enjoy what i do & don't have to have all this z-tra stuff. it's fine if u want it. i don't ever know whether to download or not so i usually don't.

Pop-up messages is usually dangerous, as they can contain virusses and worms. Don't try to install anything except if it's something that you need. Also try to get a good antivirus program installed on your laptop to prevent virusses sneaking into your system and corrupting and making it slower.

Personally, I prefer to keeping all my software up to date and trying new one from time to time. It gives me chance to enjoy latest features and better experience. Take Internet Explorer, it is ok for IE7 to open multiple tabs inside one window, while IE6 can only open one webpage in it. If you choose not ot update the IE to version 6, it means that you will have to open quite a few windows when you surf the internet, which is, of course, not that convenient. Some people worry that unfamiliar software may not be compatible to their system and might contain bugs. I have to admit that this is partly true; however, there are always risks to try new things. And something can be done to avoid these troubles, you can choose standard rather than beta version of your new software and take a little time to see how others comment on it. After all, new things are always worth a shot.

do not install any pack or update program in you computer if you can assure the security, it might be a computer virus.....I am a victim of such things.

Hi bunnybon7, My LapTop is only five months old and I don't know much about all that stuff so my husband sees to it all the time because he use my LapTop in the morning, well he bought it for me and we both use it so he does everything thats needs doing so I don't have to worry about it. Could not ask someone who knows? Love and Hugs. Tamara

If the computer is asking for the update, it means that it really needs it. Some updates provide me features such as less memory consumption and can range upto some features like removal of malicious and potentially unwanted programs. But as ofcourse you are the user, so its upto you to decide wether you should take the update or no. I would sugest let the pc update on its own and if it causes problem, you can always uninstall it.