[jrx10]

Before last summer, it seems like I only connected to M$ and only M$ when running a windows update. Tonight I decided to get a Windows update, and I knew it was going to be a hassle, because usually FX won't run after Windows updates because of something to do with the way these windows updates change Oleaut32.dll and the "shell light-weight utility Library" (whatever they are, it's always the same after each windows update and I have to tinker with both the HIPS & DC/reload FX from FW application monitor ).

1st M$ has got to DL it's Windows Validation ActiveX (for the hundred'th, or more time--and btw, M$ needs a new system because this one sux), then after DL it 3 times it wouldn't work, so it said to use the alternate validation method, which I did. This doesn't happen too often, but every once-in-a-while, it does. So I did, it says basically, OK you're approved, then it kept going back to custom/express, and it kept saying that I needed to go thru the validation gig again, and it just kept going in a circle. Finally, after about the 6th go-around, I DCed from the 'net, cleaned out all the temp files, Cookies, etc. and attempted it again. Now it won't connect to M$. So I DC from the 'net again, make sure I've got A-updates & BITS on and set to Auto, Checked ActiveX, yeah, the validation is there, Yeah, the 2 M$ Addresses are there under "trusted sites", and then try again.

Now it takes forever to connect, so I decided to glance at my connections, and besides M$, I'm connecting to 1) Limelight Networks, Tempe Arizona 2) Level 3, Broomfield, Co, 3) NTT America, Centennial, Co, 4) the MCI/Verizon Business Server (no address given), 5)Internap Network Services, NYC computer.

Before last Summer, I can't ever remember connecting to anything but M$. Finally, after about 45 minutes of hassle, the KAV HIPS also poped up saying something was trying to access my startup to see what programs were set to start-up. I run KAV, and 4 or 5 on-demand malware scans, BOClean for real-time malware scanning, plus a SW/FW behind the Router FW, and anymore getting a Windows Update just scares me to death, because of having to open up IE and not knowing what connections I should/shouldn't allow and if they're legit or not, and if the Windows update themselves are legit.

I just wondered if anyone ever monitors their connections when they get a windows update and if they connect to anything else but M$ servers? thx BTW, I usually block this "Limelight Networks server" when I'm using FX, because of some highly questionable unsolicited connections to it about 3 months ago. But it was open throughout the Windows update. I would really like to know if this server has anything to do, at all, with getting a windows update from M$?

[lunarlander]

I just did a windows update and it connected to Level3.

[rainforest123]

How did you glance at your connection?

Did you run trace route? If so, that tells you the computers to which your computer connects, each step of the way; similar to people forwarding or transferring a platter of fruit around the table until it reaches the person who wanted the banana.

RF123