But again, back to my original question: Should your permanently delete IE off your hard drive?
you don't need to use IE to schedule automatic downloading of updates
Both are correct..

you don't need IE for the automatic download of updated - these are the critical updates.. BUT
If you want to use "Windows Update" this links you to the OS, driver and critical update lists you will need IE..
Not to forget that there are many MS Sites that will reject you if any other Browser is used, as well as Commercial sites that will only run on IE..
To remove IE completely is a decision that would be for us (and even for some home users) a safe or one the would have a low impact .. but many in the corporate enviroment ..hmm perhaps I should say Small Business.. this may not be an easy decision.. compolete removal of IE would leave them out of the B2B Loop ..

Cheers