I see nothing wrong with Microsoft Update. It's just an expanded version of Windows Update that covers all Microsoft products. I always leave Microsoft/Windows Update on automatic and have never had a single problem with any update delivered. I actually trust Microsoft products over anything by anyone else and always have. If there's a Microsoft product that wiil do what I want done, I will almost always choose it first over other offerings. That's why I use IE8, Outlook Express, Office XP, and Media Player 10. I have little or no use for open source, cobbled together, constantly changing garbage. I also feel that the more you use MS products, the less chance you will have to experience compatibility problems and performance issues.