Vista - Stealth Updates are just wrong

After reading the many posts in this newsgroup, blogs from Microsoft, blogs
from Microsoft critics and fans, magazine articles, I have come to the
conclusion that Microsoft has overstepped the boundary of trust here. I know
they legally have the right to update files with out notice because of the
EULA. This does not excuse what they have done. They have an option to
"Never check for updates". To me this includes updates for Windows Update.
If it doesn't this should be stated clearly on that screen. The only thing
that will make this clear to them is a public outcry. Please add your
comments here for or against. It may not do any good but it will help to
keep the issue in the public eye. Please don't turn this into an
anti-Microsoft thread. Keep comments about the issue at hand and why you
think it is right or wrong. Flaming Microsoft will get the issue ignored.
Reasoned debate and comments are needed.

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca

"Kerry Brown" <kerry@xxxxxx-tems.c*a*m> wrote in message
news:286728FE-0266-46B4-9FBA-1B04F62FBC5C@xxxxxx
"Public outcry"? Have you had your coffee this morning Mr. Brown?



You can turn off automatic updating fully or partially. Here's the list:

- Install update automatically (recommended)

- Download updates but let me choose whether to install them

- Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them

- Never check for updates (not recommended)

That pretty much covers the gamut, doesn't it?

Have a nice day,
Saucy

I agree, I want to update what I choose, when I choose. The first time AVG
told me some of my core files had changed I nearly got a heart attack.
ThoraD
"Kerry Brown" <kerry@xxxxxx-tems.c*a*m> wrote in message
news:286728FE-0266-46B4-9FBA-1B04F62FBC5C@xxxxxx

"Saucy" <saucy538347334873772.sjhdf@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%23f2Du1t9HHA.1484@xxxxxx
No.

ss.

> You can turn off automatic updating fully or partially. Here's the list:Even if you do all that, certain files are still upgraded automatically.

Tom Lake

* Kerry Brown:Bravo!!

I agree, Kerry.


-Michael

"Saucy" <saucy538347334873772.sjhdf@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%23f2Du1t9HHA.1484@xxxxxx
This update was pushed out to all Windows computers (XP and Vista for sure,
Windows Server maybe) regardless of what you had set Windows update to do.
In other words even if you had set "Never check for updates" this update was
downloaded and installed without any notification.

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca

Saucy wrote:No,

I am afraid you missed the point in the discussion.
Windows Update WILL update (that is downloading AND installing a bunch
of files WITHOUT your approaval), whatever you choose from the above....
Please read around a little in this group to find many posts addressing
this behaviour.

Regards,
Erwin Moller

Kerry Brown wrote:Short answer: It is wrong.

I do have automatic updates on, but this is a matter of principle.

What would be acceptable is this:
--> WU NEVER updates itself, unless the owner of the PC has given
his/her permission to do so.
If you choose to have 'automatic updates' on, WU should be able to
update itself.

When your OS starts downloading and changing the system all by itself,
be it legal of not in some countries via EULA, is simply bad behaviour,
not to mention possible system instability.

While I cannot imagine it, but suppose a nuclear plant runs on M$
software: then that software starts updating itself without permission
of the plantowners.
This is farfetched, I admit, because no owner of a nuclear plant, in
his/her right state of mind, would pick Vista as their controlling OS.


Regards,
Erwin Moller

"Kerry Brown" <kerry@xxxxxx-tems.c*a*m> wrote in message
news:286728FE-0266-46B4-9FBA-1B04F62FBC5C@xxxxxx
I think it's great!! LOL

ss.