How to Cheat at Managing Windows Server Update Services
B. Barber, Susan Snedaker, Chad ToddBooks.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Over 95% of computers around the world are running at least one Microsoft product. Microsoft Windows Software Update Service is designed to provide patches and updates to every one of these computers.The book will begin by describing the feature set of WSUS, and the benefits it provides to system administrators. Next, the reader will learn the steps that must be taken to configure their servers and workstations to make the compatible with WSUS. A special section then follows to help readers migrate from Microsoft’s earlier update service, Software Update Service (SUS) to WSUS. The next chapters will then address the particular needs and complexities of managing WSUS on an enterprise network. Although WSUS is designed to streamline the update process, this service can still be a challenge for administrators to use effectively. To address these issues, the next chapters deal specifically with common problems that occur and the reader is provides with invaluable troubleshooting information. One of the other primary objectives of WSUS is to improve the overall security of Windows networks by ensuring that all systems have the most recent security updates and patches. To help achieve this goal, the next sections cover securing WSUS itself, so that critical security patches are always applied and cannot be compromised by malicious hackers.
* Only book available on Microsoft's brand new, Windows Server Update Services
* Employs Syngress' proven "How to Cheat" methodology providing readers with everything they need and nothing they don't
* WSUS works with every Microsoft product, meaning any system administrator running a Windows-based network is a potential customer for this book
Synopsis
Automate Patch Management Across Your Network
If you manage a Microsoft Windows network, you probably find yourself overwhelmed at times by the sheer volume of updates and patches released by Microsoft for its products. You know these updates are critical to keep your network running efficiently and securely, but staying current amid all your other responsibilities can be almost impossible. Microsoft s recently released Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is designed to streamline this process. Learn how to take full advantage of WSUS using Syngress s proven "How to Cheat" methodology, which gives you everything you need and nothing you don t. Deploy WSUS in the EnterpriseSynchronize updates in large networks by configuring an upstream Software Update Services (SUS) server to host updates and metadata for multiple downstream servers.
Patch All Your Most Critical Microsoft Software
WSUS now upgrades the latest versions of Windows, Office, Exchange, SQL Server, and MSDE.
Take Complete Control of the Update Process
Manage updates precisely from the initial download through approving, targeting, scheduling, installing and, if necessary, removing updates.
Consolidate Status Reporting
Define, develop, produce, and publish reports directly from WSUS.
Integrate WSUS with Active Directory
Use your existing Active Directory and network management infrastructure to update computer groups based on type, model, role, criticality, and location.
Migrate from SUS to WSUS
Perform an in-place upgrade or an across-the-wire upgrade to migrate updates and approvals from a SUS server to a WSUS server.
Change Your Local Storage Location
Use WSUSUtil.exe to change the hard disk used by WSUS for storing updates.
Manage WSUS on the Go
Use the robust Web interface to administer WSUS from remote locations.