I have Windows Update set to notify me when updates are available, but not download or install until I authorize them. This way I don’t have to suffer the delay at start-up or the refusal for a quick shut-down.

It is too bad that other programs do not offer a similar option.

Mike, you can (and I have) configure Windows Update to go in the middle of the night. The problem is that mobile devices, at least mine, aren’t left on at night so the update actually happens when the device is turned back on. This seems to always happen at the worst time.

@Dave

The security risks are there, yes, but in general, the biggest security risk is the end user. In-transit risks pale into insignificance when compared to the risks introduced by the average end-user. In general, the more data you can keep out of an end-users PC, the more secure it is. This, however, doesn’t fit with a lot of companies sec. policies simply because they don’t have the time to asses the multitude of in-cloud options. Its easier and cheaper to say ‘no’ and remove that risk and apply a hard end-user sec. poilcy rather than spending a lot of time (paying a lot of money) to analyse the in-cloud options.

I did some analysis of my own, personal, usage a few years back while I was still working as a data security consultant and I decided that running my own home server and keeping my data synced across PCs, running my own remote access and doing backups was the biggest risk I had. Since then i’ve entrusted most of my smaller data packages (docs, email and a lot of passwords) to third parties in the cloud. Fortunately my boss, me, agreed

Steve.

Many cloud computing folks overlook the inherent security considerations. I’ve made some personal allowances and turned the blind eye, but I’ve worked on projects where it’s not permissible and even now as an employee of a public traded company, it’s not OK to have my data stored or sent via a third party.

>>>I don’t use ‘the cloud’ but I do find that when I turn on the wifi on my OQO 02 it’s almost impossible to get anything done for minutes because of the antivirus software and Windows updating.

Ouch! I’d been wondering what would happen with, say, an EeePC, CloudBook, or upcoming hp 2133, out and about. I was wondering if Windows Update would kick in. I hate it when I tell the computer Off and it surprises me with, “Oh, time for a Windows Update!” That would *not* be welcome when I’m outside, shutting down after WiFi use — especially with a low battery!

James: Isn’t there anyway to specify time of syncing? Like, say, every night at 1AM or whatever? Since you’d likely be asleep, and the Fuji (or whatever) plugged in, it could be in Standby, wake up, sync, and get it out of the way.

I’ve noticed that issue with FolderShare as well, especially when I’m working off of Edge while tethering my phone and not 3G network is available. What I’ve been doing is shutting down the FolderShare Satellite when I’m working from a slow network and launch it later when I’m connected via Wi-Fi. It’s still a nuisance but I find that I have to shut it down less frequently than doing a manual sync.

I don’t use ‘the cloud’ but I do find that when I turn on the wifi on my OQO 02 it’s almost impossible to get anything done for minutes because of the antivirus software and Windows updating. Like you say, it’s very annoying when you just want to go online and do something quickly or synch.