Windows Update vs. Microsoft Update for Windows XP

What are the benefits (if any) of using Microsoft Update instead of Windows Update?

So far the only thing that I noticed was that MS Update combines the Office Updates with the OS updates.
MS Update appears to be voluntary.

Which is better and why?

 

as of now I believe it is just a personal preference as to the one you use.

bigc

 

Thanks BigC!

 

In the end, I decided on Microsoft Update for my friend's computer as they will be using MS Office. For the average person, the less updating actions they have to take to keep patched, the better. MS Update allows you to update MS Office and Windows at the same time. And because it can patch MS Office with automatic updates as well, that is the way to go.

I'd rather choose what gets installed and what doesn't (configurable in Automatic Updates), but the vast majority of critical security updates just generically say something like: "this flaw will allow a hacker to gain complete control over your computer." While allowing automatic updates to auto install critical updates will allow a few unnecessary items in like WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage), it will keep the OS updated and reduce confusion.

 

I got the impression that Win Update, as such, no longer existed. If I enter its addy, I now get redirected to the MS Update page.

 

It still exists....but if you also have the MUWebcontrol ActiveX control(MS Update) installed it will over ride the WUWebcontrol ActiveX control(Windows Update). You would need to select Change settings at the Microsoft Update site and select Disable Microsoft Update software and let me use Windows Update only....which would remove the MUWebcontrol ActiveX control and resort you back to Windows Update only.

 

Thanks Bubba!

 

I want to ask if I disable automatic updates, say for about three months without doing any manual updates, and then after 3 months period I turn on automatic updates, then windows will update itself automatically for the last three months patches as well or I have to cover that period manually?
Thanks.

 

After that long it would probably have to validate your comp again and then you would be able to update again. It should cover the time you were not updating.

 

Thanks, so it will be done without any user interaction I think.

 

Yes, if you have automatic updates set to auto download and install.

 

Thanks.