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One of the first rules to remember when dealing with computer security is always use the most recent version of anything – software, hardware drivers, etc. – making sure that timely updates are the leading priority. Microsoft Windows, no matter the version, gets several minor fixes and patches each month. With that said, below are some resources for keeping Windows updated.
Three tools to help keep Windows updated. (IMG:J.Anderson)
NOTE: Microsoft offers a Windows Update (or Microsoft Update) feature, for automatic patching. While the tools below will also help keep patches and fixes properly managed, you should always enable Automatic Updates from Microsoft. Set the update process to run daily and install automatically; if you want control over what is installed, and you understand how to manage your own patches, you can allow the updates to be downloaded and installed at your command. However, if you pick this option, then you need to develop a patching plan and stick to it, checking for and installing patches as needed at least bi-weekly.
AutoPatcher:
The first tool is AutoPatcher, or AP for short. AutoPatcher will search the Microsoft Update Server and directly download all the patches and updates you need from that server to your computer.
To get started, download and extract the AutoPatcher Updater from:
http://www.autopatcher.com/apengine/apup.zip
Make sure you place the extracted files (the apup_bin folder and the apup.exe file) in their own folder.
Then click on the apup.exe file.
As in the image below, you will need to select the check boxes for the AutoPatcher Updater and the Engine. Then, select the correct version of Windows and language. I have selected Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) for updating.
After that, simply select 'next', and the updates and patches will start to download. Depending on your network connection and speeds this process can take some time, so be patient and just let it run until complete. The positive thing is that all subsequent updates will be faster, as they will only download the newly required patches and fixes.
As you see below, once downloading is complete, launch AutoPatcher.exe from the folder you created earlier, then read and agree to the License Agreements that are displayed. Once that is complete, you are ready to patch.
As the image above shows, the blue patches are already installed on your system; the black patches are those you are missing. It is important that you do not alter the directory structure that has been created in the folder where apup.exe was extracted to.
With AutoPatcher, you can patch computers on the network (home or office) faster than waiting and assuming that Automatic Updates are configured correctly on the system.
WUD (Windows Update Downloader):
“WUD allows you to download all of the current Windows Updates using a simple interface,” is what the official site says.
There is a history with this application, it has been around for some time and, like AutoPatcher, it will allow you quick access to updates. However, this is not only an update downloader and manager, this is a great way to manage SLIPSTREAM installations. For this reason, WUD is seriously popular with the geek crowd and IT gurus.
In short, Slipstreaming is a way to install Windows with all the codecs, patches (including fixes and Service Packs), and applications in one go. Installing and configuring a new machine without a base image to run from can take hours, and frankly is a royal nightmare. With Slipstreams you can manage one DVD or CD, and then use that to install or reinstall the operating system in a fraction of the time.
Check out the link for more information and tips.
Now, back to WUD. The first thing you need is the application, which is here:http://www.windowsupdatesdownloader.com/Download.ashx?type=prog&id=2
After it is installed, launching it will display a warning and some related information, which is important before use.
After following the instructions, you are ready to download your patches and install what you are missing (Note: For the Slipstream installs as seen in the image below, all current patches are selected. Your needs and options may vary. This is not a tool for the faint of heart, so if you are unsure about it, do not use it. However, the link above will go a long way towards helping you understand Slipstreaming).
CTUpdate:
CTUpdate is an offline update manager, which takes advantage of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). This is the one tool that most of IT has on hand. While it is true, for mass patching and system deployment you will often see images used and WSUS on its own, yet many shops will opt to take the cost effective route and use this tool.
In short, CTUpdate is king when it comes to patch management. First, the basics, download it from here:
http://www.heise.de/ct/projekte/offlineupdate/download_uk.shtml
The current version, as of this article, is v4.80. This version allows you to manage patches for Windows 2000, Server 2003, XP, and Vista (32-bit and 64-bit installs).
You can also manage patches for Office 2000, XP, 2003, and 2007.
The program, once extracted, will reside in its own folder. It is very important you DO NOT alter the setup or structure of this folder, the program depends on it. Once you launch the UpdateGenerator.exe you will see the screen seen in the images above.
This is where you select your options and settings. As you can see, not only can you pick the operating system or office suite to manage, but you have the option to manage every language available.
Once this is selected you need to make a choice. Do you want one DVD ISO with all the patches for both Office and Windows or two separate CD ISO files for separate management?
Use the check boxes above the start button to pick an option that works best for you. After that, simply hit 'start' and let the program run. It should take about 15 to 20 minutes depending on connection speed.
Once the ISO(s) are created, you will find them in the ISO folder in the CTUpdate directory.
After you burn the ISO, load the DVD or CD into the system that needs patching and execute Updateinstaller.exe.
Again, patch management for Windows is important to both system health and security. While Windows Update (Microsoft Update) is still the main resource for patch management, these tools offer some added conveniences and the ability to patch everything all at once.
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