The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update 'Express'
button was still there and I clicked on that.
#1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
#2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express" button?
#3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we have to
download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
#4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office, etc.?
(We never use Office!)
#5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we do
not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page that we
have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
Please advise because we are quite confused as what to do. We don't want to
click on the "Try Microsoft Update" and find out we have to download alot of
files that we will never use and also, once we click on it, we can never
switch back to the old Critical Update page. (We read the Try Microsoft
Update information page but it did not enlighten us too much. We did post in
another forum, but think that one was incorrect and that this forum is the
right one.)
Thank you.

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by Tom

Tom
Thu Mar 23 17:37:26 CST 2006

The replies in the "another forum" you posted to seem to have answered your
questions.


"AliceZ" <AliceZ@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:7D0DAB07-E745-44F4-9AA1-3300212A68D5@microsoft.com...
> The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
> any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
> the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
> We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
> critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
> 'Express'
> button was still there and I clicked on that.
> #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
> Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
> #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
> button?
> #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we have to
> download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
> #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
> possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
> etc.?
> (We never use Office!)
> #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
> do
> not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page that
> we
> have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
> Please advise because we are quite confused as what to do. We don't want
> to
> click on the "Try Microsoft Update" and find out we have to download alot
> of
> files that we will never use and also, once we click on it, we can never
> switch back to the old Critical Update page. (We read the Try Microsoft
> Update information page but it did not enlighten us too much. We did post
> in
> another forum, but think that one was incorrect and that this forum is the
> right one.)
> Thank you.



Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by PA

PA
Thu Mar 23 20:18:21 CST 2006

Inline.

AliceZ wrote:
> The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
> any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
> the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
> We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
> critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
> 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
> #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
> Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?

Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
click on a 'Windows Update' link.

> #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
> button?

Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.

> #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
> have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?

Yes.

> #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
> possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
> etc.? (We never use Office!)

If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
and "hide" others.

> #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
> do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
> that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......

Yes.

Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org


Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by AliceZ

AliceZ
Sun Mar 26 16:43:36 CST 2006

Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions. As we
mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the old system
is working for us. Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the
"Try Microsoft Update" update button?

"PA Bear" wrote:

> Inline.
>
> AliceZ wrote:
> > The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
> > any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
> > the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
> > We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
> > critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
> > 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
> > #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
> > Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
>
> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
>
> > #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
> > button?
>
> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
>
> > #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
> > have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
>
> Yes.
>
> > #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
> > possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
> > etc.? (We never use Office!)
>
> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
> and "hide" others.
>
> > #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
> > do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
> > that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
>
> Yes.
>
> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org
>
>

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by AliceZ

AliceZ
Sun Mar 26 16:54:30 CST 2006

PA Bear:
Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions.
... Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the "Try Microsoft
Update" update button?
As we mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the old
system
is working for us.

===========

"PA Bear" wrote:

> Inline.
>
> AliceZ wrote:
> > The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
> > any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
> > the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
> > We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
> > critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
> > 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
> > #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
> > Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
>
> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
>
> > #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
> > button?
>
> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
>
> > #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
> > have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
>
> Yes.
>
> > #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
> > possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
> > etc.? (We never use Office!)
>
> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
> and "hide" others.
>
> > #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
> > do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
> > that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
>
> Yes.
>
> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org
>
>

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by Patrick

Patrick
Sun Mar 26 23:31:21 CST 2006

AliceZ wrote:
> Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions. As we
> mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the old system
> is working for us. Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the
> "Try Microsoft Update" update button?
>
> "PA Bear" wrote:
>
>> Inline.
>>
>> AliceZ wrote:
>>> The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
>>> any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
>>> the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
>>> We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
>>> critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
>>> 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
>>> #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
>>> Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
>> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
>> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
>>
>>> #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
>>> button?
>> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
>>
>>> #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
>>> have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
>> Yes.
>>
>>> #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
>>> possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
>>> etc.? (We never use Office!)
>> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
>> and "hide" others.
>>
>>> #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
>>> do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
>>> that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
>> Yes.
>>
>> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
>> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org
>>
>>

Hi Alice,
As Robear pointed out, in the end you will have to use Microsoft
Update. They're replacing Windows Update with it. Although on the
surface, it will look almost exactly like Windows Update.

If you don't want the Office updates that it suggests, then simply
unselect them (and hide them if you wish). However, I would suggest
getting them even if you never open any Microsoft Office program. If
you have Office installed on a computer, you'll want the updates anyhow.
However, if you don't even have Office installed, then you'll never see
any updates available for it.

HTH a little.
Patrick.

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by AliceZ

AliceZ
Mon Mar 27 16:07:01 CST 2006


Thank you Patrick...
Would you have any idea when the MU will 'take over' for WU? I presume if we
do not update to MU now, we will have to do it somewhere in the future. Then
it will be mandatory. (I presume the files that need to be downloaded to run
MU, the ActiveX, can be downloaded without any problems? I've had some
problems in the past downloading 'activeX' files.)
Alice

"Patrick Dickey" wrote:
> Hi Alice,
> As Robear pointed out, in the end you will have to use Microsoft
> Update. They're replacing Windows Update with it. Although on the
> surface, it will look almost exactly like Windows Update. If you don't want the > > Office updates that it suggests, then simply
> unselect them (and hide them if you wish). However, I would suggest
> getting them even if you never open any Microsoft Office program. If
> you have Office installed on a computer, you'll want the updates anyhow.
> However, if you don't even have Office installed, then you'll never see
> any updates available for it.
>
> HTH a little.
> Patrick.

> AliceZ wrote:
> > Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions. As we
> > mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the old system
> > is working for us. Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the
> > "Try Microsoft Update" update button?
> >
> > "PA Bear" wrote:
> >
> >> Inline.
> >>
> >> AliceZ wrote:
> >>> The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
> >>> any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
> >>> the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
> >>> We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
> >>> critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
> >>> 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
> >>> #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
> >>> Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
> >> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
> >> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
> >>
> >>> #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
> >>> button?
> >> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
> >>
> >>> #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
> >>> have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
> >> Yes.
> >>
> >>> #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
> >>> possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
> >>> etc.? (We never use Office!)
> >> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
> >> and "hide" others.
> >>
> >>> #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
> >>> do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
> >>> that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
> >> Yes.
> >>
> >> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
> >> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
> >> --
> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org
> >>
> >>
>
> Hi Alice,
> As Robear pointed out, in the end you will have to use Microsoft
> Update. They're replacing Windows Update with it. Although on the
> surface, it will look almost exactly like Windows Update.
>
> If you don't want the Office updates that it suggests, then simply
> unselect them (and hide them if you wish). However, I would suggest
> getting them even if you never open any Microsoft Office program. If
> you have Office installed on a computer, you'll want the updates anyhow.
> However, if you don't even have Office installed, then you'll never see
> any updates available for it.
>
> HTH a little.
> Patrick.
>

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by AliceZ

AliceZ
Mon Mar 27 20:01:02 CST 2006

Thanks PA Bear.. I guess what we are asking (basically) is: Is EVERYONE
(even those who do not use MS Office, etc.) switching over to the MU? Do we
have to do it now (because it will become manditory in the future)?
We are just afraid of changing to MU and finding that we have made a mistake
(while things are going fine with the WU).
Is everyone you know switching over to MU, even though they just use MS for
the web?
Should we switch or shouldn't we switch, that is the question.
Hope you can understand.
Alice
==========
"PA Bear" wrote:

> What Patrick said, essentially.
>
> We /assume/ WU will eventually be replaced by MU. At this point, no one has any inside info on if and/or when this may happen. (You'll notice that once you've installed MU, if you click on Start > Windows Update, you'll be taken to MU instead.)
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
>
> AliceZ wrote:
> > Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions. As we
> > mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the old system
> > is working for us. Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the
> > "Try Microsoft Update" update button?
> >
> > "PA Bear" wrote:
> >
> >> Inline.
> >>
> >> AliceZ wrote:
> >>> The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
> >>> any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
> >>> the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
> >>> We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
> >>> critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
> >>> 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
> >>> #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
> >>> Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
> >>
> >> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
> >> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
> >>
> >>> #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
> >>> button?
> >>
> >> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
> >>
> >>> #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
> >>> have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
> >>
> >> Yes.
> >>
> >>> #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
> >>> possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
> >>> etc.? (We never use Office!)
> >>
> >> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
> >> and "hide" others.
> >>
> >>> #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
> >>> do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
> >>> that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
> >>
> >> Yes.
> >>
> >> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
> >> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi�­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
> >> --
> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by Patrick

Patrick
Thu Mar 30 20:30:53 CST 2006

AliceZ wrote:
> Thank you Patrick...
> Would you have any idea when the MU will 'take over' for WU? I presume if we
> do not update to MU now, we will have to do it somewhere in the future. Then
> it will be mandatory. (I presume the files that need to be downloaded to run
> MU, the ActiveX, can be downloaded without any problems? I've had some
> problems in the past downloading 'activeX' files.)
> Alice
>
> "Patrick Dickey" wrote:
>> Hi Alice,
>> As Robear pointed out, in the end you will have to use Microsoft
>> Update. They're replacing Windows Update with it. Although on the
>> surface, it will look almost exactly like Windows Update. If you don't want the > > Office updates that it suggests, then simply
>> unselect them (and hide them if you wish). However, I would suggest
>> getting them even if you never open any Microsoft Office program. If
>> you have Office installed on a computer, you'll want the updates anyhow.
>> However, if you don't even have Office installed, then you'll never see
>> any updates available for it.
>>
>> HTH a little.
>> Patrick.
>
>> AliceZ wrote:
>>> Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions. As we
>>> mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the old system
>>> is working for us. Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the
>>> "Try Microsoft Update" update button?
>>>
>>> "PA Bear" wrote:
>>>
>>>> Inline.
>>>>
>>>> AliceZ wrote:
>>>>> The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there were
>>>>> any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the screen
>>>>> the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
>>>>> We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also included
>>>>> critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
>>>>> 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
>>>>> #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the the
>>>>> Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
>>>> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
>>>> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
>>>>
>>>>> #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
>>>>> button?
>>>> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
>>>>
>>>>> #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
>>>>> have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
>>>> Yes.
>>>>
>>>>> #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is that
>>>>> possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
>>>>> etc.? (We never use Office!)
>>>> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to install
>>>> and "hide" others.
>>>>
>>>>> #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that we
>>>>> do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
>>>>> that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
>>>> Yes.
>>>>
>>>> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
>>>> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
>>>> --
>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org
>>>>
>>>>
>> Hi Alice,
>> As Robear pointed out, in the end you will have to use Microsoft
>> Update. They're replacing Windows Update with it. Although on the
>> surface, it will look almost exactly like Windows Update.
>>
>> If you don't want the Office updates that it suggests, then simply
>> unselect them (and hide them if you wish). However, I would suggest
>> getting them even if you never open any Microsoft Office program. If
>> you have Office installed on a computer, you'll want the updates anyhow.
>> However, if you don't even have Office installed, then you'll never see
>> any updates available for it.
>>
>> HTH a little.
>> Patrick.
>>

Unfortunately, I don't know for sure when. However one of the others
may know. And, I'll ask around and see if I can find out anything. My
understanding (limited that it is) is that when you go to
windowsupdate.microsoft.com it will redirect you to MU. As for the
ActiveX, it will be the same type that you have to download for Windows
Update, just a later version (Version 6, I believe).


Patrick.

Re: Critical Updates - "Try Microsoft Update" by Patrick

Patrick
Thu Apr 13 11:19:50 CDT 2006

"AliceZ" <AliceZ@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BB3D20F1-2334-4421-A51D-C0652EE03AD7@microsoft.com...
> PA Bear:
> Thank you so much for your kind answer. It answered many questions.
> ... Are many people, who don't use Office, clicking on the "Try Microsoft
> Update" update button?
> As we mentioned, we are a bit hesitant about trying a new system if the
> old
> system
> is working for us.
>
> ===========
>
> "PA Bear" wrote:
>
>> Inline.
>>
>> AliceZ wrote:
>> > The other day we signed into our Critical Update page to see if there
>> > were
>> > any critical updates for our WinXPsp2. We noticed at the top of the
>> > screen
>> > the following printed announcement: "Try Microsoft Update."
>> > We understand this is a new program for Critical Updates and also
>> > included
>> > critical updates for MS Office, etc. The previous Critical Update
>> > 'Express' button was still there and I clicked on that.
>> > #1- We are told that this NEW "Try Microsoft Update" will replace the
>> > the
>> > Critical Update that we are now using. Is that true?
>>
>> Yes, Microsoft Update (MU) will replace Windows Update (WU) whenever you
>> click on a 'Windows Update' link.
>>
>> > #2- Can we continue to use the 'previous' critical update "Express"
>> > button?
>>
>> Yes, the Express and Custom options are available at MU.
>>
>> > #3- If we do click on the "Try Microsoft Update" button, will we
>> > have to download ActiveX files, etc., so it will work?
>>
>> Yes.
>>
>> > #4- If we only want to download the Critical Updates for WinXPsp2, is
>> > that
>> > possible? Or would we have to also download other updates for Office,
>> > etc.? (We never use Office!)
>>
>> If you choose Custom (vs. Express), you can select which updates to
>> install
>> and "hide" others.
>>
>> > #5- If we do switch to the new "Try Microsoft Update" and we find that
>> > we
>> > do not like it, can we switch back to the previuos Critical Update page
>> > that we have been using (with the Express and Custom buttons)?......
>>
>> Yes.
>>
>> Windows Update-specific newsgroup:
>> news://msnews.microsoft.com/mi­crosoft.public.windowsupdate
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org
>>
>>


Hi Alice,
I can say this for certain. I just came back from my parents home,
where they just got a brand new Gateway Computer. It doesn't have any
Office programs on it, yet I set them up with Microsoft Update instead of
Windows Update. Everything is working fine. The reason I chose to set them
up with MU right away is two-fold. One, whenever you go to Windows Update,
you get the message about MU anyhow (and they're 70 years old, so they don't
need any more things being thrown at them then necessary). The second is,
they do have other Microsoft Applications (such as MS Works) running on the
computer, so I would hope that Microsoft will release updates to the
applications through MU (as they claim they will).
I have one computer here that runs Windows XP Professional on one hard
drive, and beta versions of Microsoft OS's on the others. They are all
configured to use MU, and I haven't had any problems with it at all. In
fact, I was trying to 'sneak in' before they released MU to the public.
HTH.
Patrick.

--
Smile... Someone out there cares deeply for you.