Windows automatic update question
 

With the the nasty new worm is known variously as MSBlast, Lovsan, W32/Blaster and Win32.Poza or whatever you want to call it. How can I check to see if I my automatic update downloaded the patch? I blow off the updates so often when I'm busy or lazy.
Also should I set up my XP fire wall that I just read about and didn't know I had. What exactly does it do? Is it good enough? Are there drawbacks to firewalls?

You guys are great for answering all sorts of dumb questions that I post or I read, there are so many of us people that are technically challenged but are at least trying. Although sometimes your answers are over my head.

Thanks for any and all help!

To check if the patch was downloaded, start Windows Update and click on the link in the left column that says View Installation History.

I have tried to use the XP firewall, but all I have ben able to do is make it block ALL internet activity, so nothing gets in or out.

I've have used both hardware and software firewalls and the only potential drawbacks I have seen are that they can cause problems with multiplayer gaming or running a server, which can usually be fixed with some tweaking. People have told me that they have seen lower throughput, but that's never happened to me.

Hope this helps.

you can also go to add/remove programs and look for the hotfix Q823980...

You can still use windows update. The worm won't hammer windows update until August 15th when it will hav propagated over 500,000+ systems.

Rummor has it someone can easily adapt the code to this virus. Something tells me when can see more variants of this little bastard soon. Anyone seen Terminator 3 yet. I can see a catagory 5 virus comming out really soon.

Fuck virus creators!!!

Category five virus? What does that mean?

And yea, I saw T3. I guess I don't get the reference, unless you're referring to Skynet.