Glad it's optional..it's not like browser updates are critical enough that they need to be installed that second when I'm trying to do other things. I like that they are there for people who want them and are set to auto by default because I know a lot of newbs out there wouldn't update (for years sometimes lol). I update my browser before doing anything important or purchases and I don't think I need an auto update when I'm just browsing.
I check Firefox at least once a week..I'm sick of Chrome taking up system resources or not loading right away because it's updating when I'm just going on it to read or maybe play Words with Friends..so much so I'm thinking of just dumping Chrome..I know there is a way to disable auto in Chrome but it's not a simple thing to so I haven't attempted it yet and it should be an option for advanced users...
In January 2012, Microsoft will begin installing the latest version of Internet Explorer on Windows PCs automatically, via Windows Update.
Automatic browser updates will begin rolling out worldwide in Australia and Brazil and will gradually scale up to additional countries and continents over time. Customers running Windows 7 and Windows Vista will be updated to Internet Explorer 9. Those who are using Windows XP will get Internet Explorer 8—the highest version available for that platform.
The new policy represents a major change for Redmond, which currently classifies new browser versions as Important updates but requires the user to manually consent before installing an upgraded version.
With this change, Microsoft joins Google and Firefox, both of which currently push out automatic updates to all users. The big difference is that Microsoft will continue to support older versions of browsers. That’s a crucial distinction for enterprise customers, who need to test and approve any new software release before deploying it and who have complained loudly about Mozilla’s decision to drop support for all but the most recent browser version with their new rapid-release cadence.
Multiple opt-out mechanisms will be available for businesses and consumers who choose not to upgrade:
- If you previously refused an update to IE, you will not be automatically updated.
- As is the case today, you’ll be able to uninstall an Internet Explorer update and roll back to the browser that came with your Windows version.
- Enterprises can block the automatic installation of IE updates using Microsoft’s Blocker Toolkit for IE8 and for IE9.
- Microsoft has committed to making opt-out mechanisms available for future IE releases as well.
Although its new update policy is more aggressive, Microsoft hasn’t announced any plans to pick up the tempo at which it releases new browser versions. IE9 was released in March 2011, and IE 10 is on pace for a release date roughly one year after that. By the standards of the last decade, that’s agile, but both Google and Mozilla have reset expectations in this regard, pushing out new versions every six weeks.
More details are available in the official announcement at the IE Blog.
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