How Long is Too Long to Update?

StWaldo asks: "I'm sure everyone knows the story about the life expectancy of an fresh, un-updated PC, once it's connected to the internet. What about a PC which just hasn't been updated in a while? I've been deployed in Iraq for the last 9 months, and haven't been able to hook up my laptop to the internet to get updates (I do HAVE access, just can't hook up a personal laptop, gov't only). Before I deployed, I would update my software (system, anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, etc) regularly, but as I get closer to coming back to the States and my broadband connection, I'm beginning to wonder what the life expectancy of my PC will be. What's the lifecycle of a security exploit, hack, virus, etc - between discovery/release, propagation, and extinction (or a state approaching extinction)?"

Comments

Paranoid?

[ScrewMaster]

Call it "anxiety" or "concern". It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you.

Re:redundanty

[krgallagher]

"My family runs two Windows PCs behind solid firewall without any virus protection software at all. They don't swap files over IM, they don't click nonsense (they've learned the hard way), they don't use gnutella, etc. For a year now they've been without a single issue or zombie infection, even with using IE instead of Firefox."

I do not doubt you. I have only gotten a virus when I mistakenly clicked on a link sent by a co-worker. The minute I did it I realized it was a mistake, but we are all thoughtless sometime. What I want to know is this: Without a virus scanner, how do you know they are not infected?

Re:Lifetimes...

[the arbiter]

I'm about as left-wing, liberal and Democrat as it is possible to be. Read my posting history, it shows.

I just have to say this: You're a dick. Straight up. You think this soldier ordered the war? You think he made the policy decisions that led to Iraq's destruction? No. He's just some guy making about $10 an hour, trying not to get killed, all for the dubious reward of trying to save ungrateful shitheads like yourself. So go fuck yourself with the largest pointy object that you can find.

Bash Bush and the decision makers all you like...I'll be right in there with you. Bash a soldier and I'll tell you what a worthless piece of crap you are. Bash one in range of my hearing and you won't do it again.

You'll notice I sign my name. "Anonymous Coward" fits you like a glove.