no
go to callofduty.com/update to install the patches.
You can't really stop it..I mean you can stop/not download it if you want but that wouldn't allow you to play the game. I am not sure if this applies but there is an option to let the patch download after you quit the game. You can do that by opening up the WoW launcher and then clicking on options. If you're playing on a free/private realm then you don't have to install all the patches.
To install all of the patches will take quite a long time, even if you have a fast internet connection and computer. Remember, WoW is a HUGE game filesize wise.
The length of time it takes to download a patch depends on the size of the patch and the speed of your connection. On the whole, patches can take 6-8 hours if they are major content updates, and less than 30 minutes for minor patches. If you download a patch from a patch mirror (a third party site) it can be quicker.
15GB up to the current patch: 3.3.3
If you mean the ring shaped patch it goes around the world scouting crest on the left chest. Other patches do not have an official location but can be worn as temporary patches over the right pocket.
Most computer games cannot have patches removed without completely re-installing the product. For World of Warcraft, not only would you have to reinstall the game, you also cannot play unless your game has the latest patch installed. If a game does allow a patch to be removed (like mods and user-generated content with Oblivion) there is usually an option in the game's launcher to enable or disable certain content or patches.
There is no list - as they come online, Blizzard forces the user to update to the newest patch or they are unable to play. Answer 2: There is an online site that maintains "Patch Mirrors" for all WoW patches, as well as up to date game information, current patches, patch fixes & problems, etc. (see related link) - Caveat Emperor.
The previous patch files will be in the patches folder in the main world of warcraft folder in program files. The patch files can be deleted once they are installed. any updates they have installed will be part of the main game and cannot be removed. If you don't like the new features added by the patch you cannot remove these, they need to be installed to play the game.
The client will automatically download each patch that you are missing in succession. This could be a few, or a lot if you haven't played in a while.
In general, patches are supplied from the game designers either by an in-game update (such as what happens in Guild Wars) or through a check when you pre-launch the game (such as World of Warcraft). When the game determines that patches are available, it automatically applies them to your installation. As a secondary method, these patch files are executables and can also be run on their own to patch your game. World of Warcraft stores these patch files in the PATCH folder, and running them in order from there can also patch a game. Such patch files are available generally from download sites. Be careful, because it is also possible to contract computer viruses from use of a third party site.
When you install World of Warcraft, it installs all patches, even the ones for expansions (yes even if your account is a vanilla account). It will take about 15 gigabytes of disk space to install WoW.