Updates. Do we really need them?

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

Wouldn't it be nice to buy a Software/hardware products that are perfect in every way, no updates, firmware, patches.....
Okay, so this is the real world. Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. From the games we play, software we buy and even that graphics card you have. They will all need an update at some point you can almost bet on it.
Why? Well there are several reasons, the most common is that when the product went out, the vendor could not have possibly created that product to work with every known application out there. What you have loaded on your computer is not necessarily the same things I have on my computer - given the drivers and .dll's and IRQ settings along with the version of Windows and all the different periphials that we all have combine to make it a very challenging ordeal to any manufacturer. In all I must admit, it is amazing that they can do what they do to give us a good product. As long as we keep the updates current and be aware that not all updates are going to work for all applications. I have some good sense tips for everyone.

    Don't be the first to update just because a new update has come out- Of course you may have to update that game in order to play online but other software and hardware updates may have flaws that you might want to wait and see if those that did update report problems. In other words, let others be the guinea pig

    Don't update/upgrade unless you are having troubles - I had a kid that decided to flash his folks BIOS because a "New" BIOS version was out there. Well, the mother board is now toast because he didn't follow the directions but the real question is why did you update? Was there issues with the computer that a flash of the BIOS was necessary? No, there was no issues but it was done just because a newer version was out there.

    SP2 yes or no? - Well the answer is yes. Unfortunately, there were many flaws in Windows XP (Ya think?) and other flaws in software that was created after Windows XP was created. Not just Microsoft products but many manufactures were creating even more issues with new products. Bottom line on SP2 is that some standard was made to help stop most of the flaws and issues. An example is that Windows is more in control of installing your new applications. This will help to cut down on conflicts that other applications you have installed to not conflict with the new application. SP2 also addressed many security flaws as well. If you haven't updated Windows XP then you might experience some troubles with applications and visa versa. I recommend that you stay current with your updates but only if you read the above about not being the first to update. I usually wait a month before I update to see if there are any issues with a SP update. If there are, another update will come out shortly to resolve it.

    Get your updates from the manufacture - Drivers R Us may sound good and might even be just fine but I wouldn't dare take my car to Hanks Yank and Pull for service if you know what I mean. (I might take my wifes car but not mine!)

    Ask - There are many forums and communities that may have answers that deal with your issues. Do a google search for answers to a lot of your questions about updates and upgrades

 Lastly, if it aint broke, don't fix it.