Windows Seven (7) and Windows Updates

[cadis12]

I'm getting ready to re-install Windows 7 on my dedicated mame machine.  I want a fresh clean install.  Unfortunately Microsoft gave up on Windows 7 service packs which means a clean install is going to have to download a gazillion updates.  Since this is going to be a dedicated Mame machine do I really need to install all the updates for Windows 7?  I'm not going to surf the net with that computer so whats the point?  I may have it on my home network just to transfer some files here and there but that should be about it. 
Any opinions?  Will mame run better with all the updates? 

Thanks!

[Endaar]

There is a service pack 1 for Win 7. That said, are you keeping the cabinet connected to the Internet? If so, then yes, patch it and keep it patched. Most viruses, etc., are targeted at vulnerabilities that have already been patched and that people unfortunately don't keep up with. If it's an offline PC then it doesn't matter.

What I wouldn't do is put Java or Flash on the box. Skip Acrobat if you can too.

Endaar

[Mr_Numbers]

What I wouldn't do is put Java or Flash on the box. Skip Acrobat if you can too.

Endaar

If a noob may ask why would you skip Java, Flash and Acrobat if possible?  Is this for speed purposes or virus protection?

[ed12]

for this simple reason
>vulnerabilities that have already been patched<
java and flash have holes in there code
that even patched are perfect exploits
if u care to read up on it goggle flash player expliots
and or do the same for java
it will open your eyes's

ed

[adder]

If a noob may ask why would you skip Java, Flash and Acrobat if possible?  Is this for speed purposes or virus protection?

because all of these programs may add to making the pc take longer to boot/shut down as well as add to the list of processes currently running in memory.
for a mame pc which is offline there is no point in adding anything extra unless your system demands certain files/drivers in order to run/run correctly or at its most efficient etc

[Endaar]

The reality is that on a fully patched Windows system, the biggest vulnerabilities by FAR are third-party plugins like Java and Flash. Acrobat itself is horrible too but sometimes you may need it for manuals, etc. Take a look at the patch history of Java for example and pay particular attention to the severity of the exploits. And to ed12's point, even up to date versions of these plugins are often full of vulnerabilities, which the vendors have not been great about patching in a timely fashion.

Endaar

[arquillos]

Acrobat itself is horrible too but sometimes you may need it for manuals, etc.

Forget about Acrobat and try any "portable" pdf reader like Foxit reader....you won´t regret it!