Windows Server Update Services
Windows Server Update Services ( WSUS abbreviation ) is the software component of Microsoft Windows Server since version 2003, which is responsible for patches and updates. It is the successor version of the software component Software Update Services.
Design and operation
Windows Server Update Services is a client -server system. Core of the software component is the SQL database ( either on an existing SQL Server 2005/2008 or the included Windows Internal Database ) of the server that manages the version information of the updates and the reports of the clients. The clients provide a status report, version data are from the available updates before. At a time determinable by the administrator builds the server to connect to the Windows Update server and retrieves required for its client updates. These are then assigned to the client via the local computer network. Updates are distributed via pull. However, it is adjustable that particularly important packages will be installed by a deadline (for example, critical security updates).
The in the operating systems Windows 2000 with SP3, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 integrated client component allows the server and client computers, updates from Microsoft Update or from a server on which the update services are carried out to relate. Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 are not taken into account during the upgrade process by WSUS.
The advantage of this system lies in the administration. The administrator does not need to play on each client to update, but can not assign this centrally from the server to different groups of computers. This can be especially useful if compatibility problems are to be expected with an installed application through updates. Then the corresponding update is not delivered to the clients if it is ensured through testing that there is no incompatibility with existing applications. Downloading and installing the updates can be controlled manually in each case and rule automatically. This can be configured on the client by policy for each group or locally via the registry key. On the client using either "gpedit.msc " or the familiar GUI.
The integrated in the operating system of the client service " BITS " ( " Background Intelligent Transfer Service " or " Background Intelligent Transfer Service") ensures that only updates will be transferred to the clients when the network's bandwidth permits.
However, due to this, as in many other places in the MS product range a consistent use of the products (IIS, database, ...). Exceptional situations like a tailed dialup client a sales representative are thus difficult to be covered.
Availability
Microsoft has released Windows Server Update Services, visit the Microsoft Web site for free as a download.
Tools
- WSUSClientManager configuration tool to easily integrate clients without Active Directory GPO and registry editor
- WuInstall WSUS address via command line