Windows updates on old Vista machine Y/N?

OK, thanks for the feedback. I will unleash the updates.

Definitely, do all the MS Vista security patches until extended end of life in April 2017. Not doing so could allow a vulnerability that hackers can exploit which could allow drive by download malware, even if you're running AV, typically using Javascript which could allow it to run with elevated permissions. Something those using legacy un-supported OS don't seem to understand. Which is why enterprise environments pretty much universally don't permit un-supported OS such as WIN XP to use their network. It compromises the security for everyone.

Also, never surf the NET using the default WIN Admin account. Create a separate User account without Admin privileges if you haven't done so.

While the original release of Vista was not ready for prime tme, Microsoft made a LOT of updates and improvements to Vista over the years and will continue to support it with critical updates well into 2017. Personally, I would do all Service Packs and critical updates. Why update your browser and anti-virus but leave gaping holes in the OS?

Well, if the machine in question isn't attached to a network, it does no email, and no interaction between it and another machine then the most that could happen is that it becomes a member of someone's botnet.

I would not feel comfortable with never updating the OS if security updates are available.

I’m still using Win XP on this desktop. I actually bought a copy of Win 7 before support for Win XP stopped last year, but after considering the effort to re-do all of my customization under Win 7, I chose to stick with XP.

I use Firefox for a browser and AVG as my primary anti-virus (the only one set to run automatically).

You have a third choice for Win updates: Ask permission to update. Not automatic (without your permission), nor leaving you never knowing about available updates.

Even though MS supposedly stopped support of XP, I am still getting updates to XP. I know because I changed the default “Allow automatic updates,” to “Ask permission to update,” where it notifies me that updates are available and I can choose if and when to download and apply them. The updates I get have seemed to be small (based on download time required). I assume they are all security related.

I periodically back up my files to an external hard drive which I keep in a different location.

Wayne