Windows Update vs HotFixChecker

There is a difference between the Windows Update web site and the Hotfix checker program.
Windows Update site only shows you the patches your individual system needs, based off its hardware/software.
The Hotfix checker shows you ALL patches for Win2K (or whatever WIN OS you run it against) that have been released.
For example, when I run the HOtfix checker on my servers, they all come up with the servers needing the new IRDA infra-red service patch that came out in Feburary. Well, these server don't have an infra-red port, so I have not installed the patch on them.
Now, when I go to the Windows Update site, it does not even list the IRDA patch as being needed by the servers, since Windows Update detects that the server doesn't have infra-red port.
So, I personally like Windows Update over Hotfix checker for this reason. It would not hurt my servers if I put the IRDA patch on them, but why bother???

HotFixChecker is the better choice for servers and special computers. Windows update it just for common components of windows. the updates only apply to the operating system and not the services runing. Windows updates does make it easier to findthe common updates but there will still be a few that slip by including , exchange,iis , sms and sql. Windows update will not show you those. this is one of the reasons microsft release the hotfixchecker.
another idea is to sign up for the microsoft security update mailing list. you will get an email on most service patches and security updates.