Should I Install WPA Support From Windows Update?

[Enygma]

I just saw it while looking at the update site which I have not done in awhile.

My wireless equipment (LinkSys) has WPA available as a firmware upgrade, although I have not upgraded it as of yet, since I have not installed the network. I am still building the other PC. Just wondering about this.

Thanks. :)

[amw2320]

I have grown to not like the windows updates. If it is a firmware udate for your router go for it if you want WPA. My thought is if it aint broke dont fix it.

http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1767

[multiplexed]

amw2320 - I think there's a balance between upgrades and safety. The key is balancing the risk with benefits, and not being the first one to do the upgrade.

I don't upgrade anything with bleeding edge patches, but I do apply service packs if no-one is complaining about them on the boards. Firmware is the same way, look at the changelog and see if there's anything you could use, if not then skip it.

I know next to nothing about WPA, but it has to better than WEP.

[amw2320]

Very true. Also I generally think firmware is fine. I never hear of that causing problems because you have to do is uninstall it. It is the drivers that can sometimes go bad then cause a crash. Its very rare, but does happen.

[EricB]

Don't install the WPA update unless you're very sure that your wireless network card does support it. At the security section of this forum we have had a discussion on this.

So, before you install, check your hardware supplier if they support WPA.

If you've installed the update, and it doesn't work any longer, check this thread :

http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1236

Guys, be carefull with recommending anything without knowing details ;)

[amw2320]

The hotfix and the firmware update are very different. The firmware is released by the manufacturer and updates your peice of hardware. The hotfix is released by microsoft and is a driver installed on your computer. The hotfix has caused problems like EricB's in the last post and mine in the second.