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Summary: Software Update infrastructure

You should know that Windows Update is used to download such items as security fixes, critical updates, help files, drivers and Internet products. You can configure Windows Update so that you can access the Windows Update Catalog. This lets you choose updates that you plan to deploy later, and is of particular use to someone who administers several machines.

You should know that Automatic Updates is built into Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 and enables the operating system to download and install critical updates automatically. Windows Update and Automatic Updates are designed to work together to keep Windows secure. You have full control over the level of this interaction, eg: you can choose to download and install updates as they become available, or you can be notified when new updates become available.

You should know that Software Update Services (SUS) lets you download a limited version of the Windows Update site and distribute updates to clients through Automatic Updates. You can control how and when updates are deployed and deliver updates to users through your intranet and inside your firewall.

You should realise that running legacy programs on Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003, or Windows 2000 Server or Professional may require you to modify the system settings that allow members of the Power Users group to run these programs. These permissions can also make it possible for Power Users to gain additional privileges, so you should deploy applications that belong to the Windows Logo Program for Software if possible. These applications can run successfully under the secure configuration provided by the Users group.

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