[Mr Mushroom]

I use VPC w/Windows 2000

I am just wondering if it is worth downloading the regular windows updates - what does everyone else do?

I only use my VPC for playing online poker at sites that are PC only so I am not doing anything technical.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[CharlesS]

Um, yes?

Since you've got a full-blown Windows OS running in there, you're vulnerable to all the same viruses and remote exploits as every other Windows user.

[CaptainHaddock]

"Since you've got a full-blown Windows OS running in there, you're vulnerable to all the same viruses and remote exploits as every other Windows user."

That's not entirely true. If you're using the default networking settings, your Mac is acting as a NAT, protecting VPC from most network traffic. OS X's excellent firewall (I assume you have it turned on) should protect Windows under VPC from any worms or other malicious attacks.

Also, it's easy to back up your Windows VPC file in case something hoses your installation.

[PurpleGiant]

That said, provided you have broadband you might as well keep up to date with Windows Updates. It's not hard to do.

[Angus_D]

Originally posted by CaptainHaddock:
That's not entirely true. If you're using the default networking settings, your Mac is acting as a NAT, protecting VPC from most network traffic. OS X's excellent firewall (I assume you have it turned on) should protect Windows under VPC from any worms or other malicious attacks.

Apart from viruses and spyware and things which infect the host via e-mail or IE or whatever.

[legacyb4]

Exactly. A lot of the malware out there come from 'passive' stuff on websites and not necessarily through brute force attacks from an attacker singling out your machine.

The fact of the matter is, despite being a virtual machine, it's a very leaky virtual machine that needs maintenance...

Originally posted by Angus_D:
Apart from viruses and spyware and things which infect the host via e-mail or IE or whatever.