An Internet connected PC will occasionally ask you if Updates can be Installed or Changes made to your PC. Often your eye will be drawn to a flashing icon on the Windows taskbar at to bottom of the screen which when you click it will show the request.
It's always a judgement call but unless you were expecting it, for instance you have just started installing something yourself or you know what it is, then the safer option is to say, "No".
Recommended
The following products do release regular Updates which include Security patches and I recommend that you take these as soon as they are made available.
I suggest that you say "Yes" to these but please read the Advisory at the bottom of this post first:
Microsoft Windows
This is your Computer's Operating System. Ideally it should be set to Install Updates Automatically but if not then you should permit updates when requested.
MS Office
This is the suite of programs which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Ideally it should be set to Install Updates Automatically but if not you should permit updates when requested.
Adobe Flash
This is used to display video content. Moving adverts on Internet pages use it and catch-up TV players such as 4OD, itvPLAYER and BBC iPlayer
Adobe Reader
This is used to display forms, booklets and maps, often downloaded from the Internet. User Guides supplied on CD with many products or Forms and Guides attached to emails require Acrobat to display.
Java (from oracle corp.)ADVISORY:
Java is used for 'active' content. Fancy Menus and rolling content are common uses.
It is normal practice for companies to try to 'piggy back' other products with downloads and updates.
Look out for Tick boxes saying to download add ons, they are usually the extras e.g. McAfee Security Scan with Adobe or Ask Toolbar with Java. Take care to Untick any boxes for these add ons and just take the base product.
No harm if you forget with these products, just a nuisance with more clutter on your PC when you are browsing the Internet.
