Windows Live Essentials Update - Necessary???

[Richard Sinkler]

I have had a notification for an available update to Windows Live Essentials. My update always locks up at about 90% complete. Do I really need Live Essentials?

I googled Live Essentials, and they seem to be accessory programs that I don't use. The update panel says this is an "important" update. Do I really need it? How do I keep the notification of an update from popping up on my screen?

[Wiz Feinberg]

Richard;
Thanks for starting a new topic for this.

Windows Live Essentials covers several programs from Microsoft. These include Windows Live mail and Windows Live Messenger, among other applications. If you have any WLE programs installed, then perform the update. It probably includes functionality and security updates.

If you look in your Start > Programs list and see a group folder for Windows Live anything, you need this update. If not, it is of no use, unless you do install Windows Live Mail, or WL Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger).

Note: Hotmail has become part of Windows Live. If you use Hotmail, you use Windows Live, in part.

Note; this does not include Microsoft Security Essentials, which was just updated recently. MSE is Microsoft's latest attempt to protect Windows computers without any other brand name security installed. It is better than no protection and is getting better with each update. I compare it to people who have the option of defending themselves, or accepting a public defender. Some representation is better than none, when going up against those more experienced than you, in important matters.