Security Package

Microsoft windows update corporate edition should be available about now

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/TechNet/ittasks/support/corpwu.asp

As mentioned in the previous article, you can incorporate a corporate windows update server into your network. The only issue with this is each user will require local admin rights on their PC in order for this client/server architechture to work.

Another way is to run the patches via logon script. I have had some success with this. You can write batch files to install security patches from a "public" network location (one that is accessible to users). You will also want to look into the qchain utility from microsoft in order to do so...quick ex.

in a batch file
Q323444.EXE -z -m
Q222242.EXE -z -m
qchain

the switches above offer quiet mode and no reboot on each patch. The qchain utility allows you to run patches together and checks for the latest versions of files.

Full information on this is available in a free class from Microsoft - Security Clinic 2604a. It is COMPLETELY FREE FOR STUDENTS!! Check with your local CTEC for details

Chris Arsenault
Information Technology Manager
Technical Instructor
MCSE, MCT
chrisamcp@hotmail.com

The absolute best Update and Hot Fix software out on the market today is "Update Expert" by St. Bernard software. (www.stbernard.com) The site has a download demo that allows you to test it on 5 Win2k/Win Nt machines. In my opinion, it is well worth the cost. I was hoping that I would be able to Write an Article for TechRepublic about this wonderful utility, but I am not sure if it is going to take off.

If you need further details, and hints on the software, contact me at: paulmchavez@yahoo.com

Paul M. Chavez