Do I need windows update?

I use sandboxed web browser(firefox) when I surf, and I seldom download programs from the internet.
I also use ZoneAlarm Antivirus with firewall, mbam free, and superantispyware free.
Having said that, do I need windows update to prevent attacks from the hackers and malwares?

 

Windows Update does not prevent attacks; Windows Update is simply a means of selecting, downloading, and applying updates and fixes to the operating systems, Microsoft program products, and (if you choose to) device drivers. Understand the risks of not being current (or those in being too current) and act accordingly.

 

have a qns for you...

is your OS licensed?

 

Actually, is it not the patching that is applied by using Windows Update, rather than Windows Update itself?

 

I am not trying to be obtuse here.

I stated that "Windows Update does not prevent attacks"
You stated that "In some cases it does"
I stated "Actually, is it not the patching that is applied by using Windows Update, rather than Windows Update itself?"

So, my original statement was being clarified in that Windows Update itself does not prevent attacks, it is the patches that fix the holes and security exposures that prevent the attacks. Windows Update is only one means of getting those fixes and patches onto your system. I have never seen Windows Update itself block any malware.

 

Ever since win 2000 (now use xp) I haven't used MS update, only applied the service packs. Up until recently, I was on dial up (since '94 actually) and the updates were becoming a PITA so I turned them off.
Now that my township has been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century and we now have high speed, I see no reason to change.
I have never had any security issues, all the time I have been on the internet, but I have XP locked down tighter than a frogs ass and I use linux most of the time anyways.

Whatever suits you I guess.

edit: However, now that I think about it, I do have ubuntu set to update, so I guess it's 6 of one or 1/2 dozen of the other.

Colin

 

It's always good practice to update. With cable, there is really no excuse not to, unless some specific problem arises from one of the updates etc.. I keep everything updated in Ubuntu, XP and Vista...

 

I do full backups on Mondays, which coincidentally is the day before Microsoft Patch Day (second Tuesday of each month).

 

Valid question, but there are some who just prefer to put on security exploit patch/hotfix and skip much of the other garbage. That does NOT mean the OS is of the volume variety or otherwise not licensed.

 

Excellent strategy. I do the same. At least the part about creating images prior to applying MS patches.