There has been more than one warning about new Vista updates on the nets since the introduction of Vista in 2007. Some are well founded, while others are based more on supposition.
Updates and patches are not unique to Windows or Vista. All modern operating systems must be updated regularly to keep them fully operational.
Updates and patches perform many functions. Some correct problems discovered in the operating system in real world usage. Others install or enhance features that were supposed to be part of the original release but were disabled, omitted, or installed in a limited implementation due to rollout pressures.
Problems with updates are not new either. Security updates to XP were well known for shutting down network and printer connections in multi user environments. Fortunately, these problems were fixed by a few adjustments to the firewall and network settings.
Other update issues are more serious. Often updates can come from different teams within the development and support group. While this method helps get updates out in a timely fashion, occasionally one teams update can undo one of the fixes of another.
When considering whether to perform a Vista update, you should read the message boards for possible conflicts with your application base. Some updates are required for your software to run properly, while others may shut down a working application completely.
Even though there is a risk, it is usually best to keep up with the Vista update schedule. Otherwise, you may find yourself so far behind the curve that you will need help to catch up.