Windows Live Essentials update

Patch Tuesday and Microsoft doesn't disappoint with a 160MB Windows Live Essentials update.  Noting it is in the category of "critical" which means those that have their automatic updates on are going to get the full pull. That is, until you go to install at which point you are prompted whether you want the entire thing or just the updates for the components installed. Of course everything is installed by default if you click through.. just one more thing to be aware of, especially considering the Windows Live Essentials was an optional update to begin with, it is no wonder so many people have so many problems with their computers, if they were to leave everything in automatic mode.  My old rule of thumb was a computer could manage to go 16 months from the time it was purchased to the point when it would just slow down to a halt and/or crash if nothing was done to it other then the original 'default factory' configuration. This number is sure to drop to less than 12 months as more Windows 7 machines set for automatic mode start having problems. Considering an OEM install of Windows 7 with as little as 512mb of memory is a pretty speedy unit until you start plugging it up with crap and unless you are a true Microsoft fan whereas you are using the Windows Messenger, Movie Maker and Photo manager then odds are you would be quite safe to remove the entire Windows Live Essentials.

Don't worry however, I am sure it will find its way back on to your hard drive, given Microsoft's track record for pushing out the crapware. It's truly too bad they can't just leave a good thing alone.