Windows Updates, Anti-Virus and program automatic updates on a 3G connection.

BuZ

BuZ

BuZ

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Hello all,

I am setting a computer up for someone (a family member), although I have a slight issue with settings and it is due to the connection I am faced with.

I am having to decide whether I should leave automatic download and install updates enabled or turn them off.

I know updates are essential, although the 3G connection is very slow (roughly just below 1Mb/s as the person lives in a low signal area delivered by T-Mobile/EE).

Should I let the computer check for updates, although not let them download automatically?

Are there any risks at stake if I decide to do this?

The connection is also limited to a fair usage policy that takes affect if she downloads more than 500MB within a week or month.

Many thanks/Kind regards,

BuZ
 
KIA said:
Is the person using IE?
Click to expand...

Yeah,

I've got an idea though, I'm downloading stuff at home, e.g. Google Chrome, Avast or AVG anti-virus and numerous other programs. I'll put them on a USB and then transfer them from the USB to their Computer and install them like that.

:) That way they can enjoy things, but on a slow connection. :)

I checked it through speedtest.net, it is just short of 0.70Mb/s and sometimes 0.50Mb/s, depending on the location in her house.
 
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KIA said:
In that case, Windows Updates are a must have.
Click to expand...

Right. Although the connection is limited and will cap her to below 0.50Mb/s.

Download limit is 500MB within a month or week.

I'm unsure, although I've checked in the connection statistics and it says she's reached over the monthly limit from downloading 500MB or just less than that.
 
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Windows update and AV should be left to automatically update, otherwise you're relying on the person to manually do it which isn't a great idea.

Windows updates usually only come down once a month, sounds like she needs more data allowance really though.
 
What version of Windows are we talking about here?

To get the current most recent updates for now you could simply grab the standalone/offline updates and install them from USB. Alternatively there are tools like WSUS Offline Updates which will do the same job.
 
windows 7 would probably require well over 2GB of updates if it were a clean install. i just checked windows 8.1 which has only been out since october and that has over 500MB worth of updates available.

if you can get the machine on a proper connection temporarily then of course it would advisable to install everything. but if you can't, i really don't think it's a good idea to leave automatic updates on.

i'd set them up with alternative browser and make they use a standard windows account rather than one with admin priviledges. of course you'd need to make sure you have installed everything they're likely to need and could lead to ongoing support which could be a pain in the rectum... :p
 
1mb isn't that bad.

I'd be more worried about using up total allowed bandwidth usage.


My mum's home connection has been 1mb for years, copes fine with 3 machines there updating themselves etc.
 
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