Windows Updates and other things

[dynamictiger]

I tried searching the forum for this but returned way too many results to go through and the first 5 pages didn't seem to cover it.

I have purchased a stand alone HTPC. It is highly unlikely it will be used for anything else except ht unless my other machines breakdown simultaneously.

I am wondering at the wisdom of plugging it into the home network (apparently wireless is no good), simply to receive driver updates and windows updates as they become available or whether I should instead let it stand alone and download only updates the machine needs transfering via CD or whatever.

Being an old fashioned bugger I tend to download updates to a folder on my drive and install from there so i always have a backup copy.

[bella]

DynamicTiger,

I am wondering at the wisdom of plugging it into the home network (apparently wireless is no good), simply to receive driver updates and windows updates as they become available or whether I should instead let it stand alone and download only updates the machine needs transfering via CD or whatever.

I have 2 MCE machines in a cat5 cable network. You could use your other pc's as MCE extenders.

download only updates the machine needs

It is common practice here to switch the automatic update function off once your MCE is working fine. Only update when the new Windows updates are really necessary and thoroughly tested.

Being an old fashioned bugger I tend to download updates to a folder on my drive and install from there so i always have a backup copy.

It would be a good idea to make a complete image (Ghost or Acronis True Image) of your MCE OS system once you have it working well. In case something goes wrong you only have to install the image again. After every update you should add a new OS image to your collection. (Once it 's working)

[ExtremePC]

Use a program called Autopatcher, It contains all the current MS updates, it also has monthly updates. Initial download is around 250Mb but you can use it to do all the updates on as many machines as you like with having to go onto the net.

[simbot82]

I always have my Media PC on the network, just avoid doing any internet searching on it if possible and setup firewall and maybe even non-intrusive antivirus (such as AVG)

If it is not on the network No EPG (unless you manually inject weekly), no weather, no streaming movies/tv shows from other computers (used as storage) no streaming radio stations or YOuTUbe videos (not for me but for some) etc

[wdric]

Originally Posted by dynamictiger

I am wondering at the wisdom of plugging it into the home network (apparently wireless is no good), simply to receive driver updates and windows updates as they become available or whether I should instead let it stand alone and download only updates the machine needs transfering via CD or whatever.
install from there so i always have a backup copy.

Plug it in

I have a Dlink usb wireless with cable and the unit sits behind a photo on the entertainment unit. Works well.
Once your on the network you can do the remote thing and administer your MCE machine, use videoredo to edit your recordings etc, all while others are still using it.

ric