[calvin-c]

Or maybe I should call this "I hate Microsoft". I'm installing Windows Updates & get a message from my firewall that "Windows Installer is trying to access the Internet". Crap. Windows Installer shouldn't be doing anything. And Windows Updates should have downloaded everything it needed before starting. I allowed the access, of course, as I'm certain this is the typical Microsoft crap. "We have control. Bend over and accept it."

[jsparky77]

The program is actually called Windows Installer. It is called this because it downloads and INSTALLS programs.

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by calvin-c

I allowed the access, of course, as I'm certain this is the typical Microsoft crap. "We have control. Bend over and accept it."

They have a new wu they are installing whether or not you even allow your puter to check for updates. So last sentence is correct.


"You'll get a new Windows Update, like it or not "
By Scott Dunn

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/080814

[calvin-c]

Windows Update is, for me, set to download the updates & notify me when they're ready to install. I have no problem with Windows Update using Windows Installer for the installation-my problem is with the Installer attempting further downloads. According to my Update settings, everything is supposed to already be downloaded when it notifies me-so what's Installer downloading?

In one sense I can understand why Microsoft is forcing the Windows Update update on everyone. It's unmitigated arrogance, but that's been part of Microsoft's public policy for years-maybe even decades. To do it right they'd need to offer users a choice: forego any future updates or install the updated Update program. That acknowledges that users have control over their own systems while still maintaining Microsoft's rights. But they don't do things that way, do they?

One thing that *any* software developer should avoid is surprising the user. If one of the updates requires an additional download then the user should be given proper notice specifying which update it is & giving them the option of cancelling that update. The worst arrogance a developer can have (and I'm one myself, so I know) is to present the user with a generic message that doesn't really tell them what's happening.

Besides this one (Windows Installer is attempting to contact the Internet) there have been other popups such as 'an error has occurred'. Not even a title bar that tells you what program it occurred in, much less what the error was. Sheer, unmitigated arrogance-like users never run anything except that developer's program.

Anyway, I'm going to mark this as solved. I still don't know for sure what it was downloading, but the replies so far seem to agree that it was legitimate-which means further messages will probably just be rants. Thanks for your opinions, all.

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by calvin-c

One thing that *any* software developer should avoid is surprising the user. If one of the updates requires an additional download then the user should be given proper notice specifying which update it is & giving them the option of cancelling that update. The worst arrogance a developer can have (and I'm one myself, so I know) is to present the user with a generic message that doesn't really tell them what's happening.

You have to trust them or don't trust them. Running their OS leaves you little choice in the matter.

When I was running XP, I assumed it was safer to trust them. But I did so cautiously.
I updated manually and I waited one week after release of updates before I updated. This gave MS a chance to rectify any problems original update may have had.

I believe you can see what was updated/downloaded through the control panel somewhere and/or at the MS update site itself. Should be "Review Updates", or "Update History" or something like that somewhere. I have seen it.
"Installed Updates," maybe? Sorry, it's been awhile.