How to Cheat at Managing Windows Server Update Services
By Brian Barber
HIGHLIGHT
System administrators managing Microsoft networks of any size can become overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of critical software updates and patches released by Microsoft for all of their operating systems, servers, and applications. To address this need, Microsoft just released Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) which helps administrators manage this unwieldy process. This is the only book available on this new service from Microsoft. |
In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is King
Date: Nov 2005
Pages: 400 (est.)
User level: All |
DESCRIPTION
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.
KEY
SELLING POINTS
- 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.
MARKET
INFORMATION
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. As a result, over 95% of computer users worldwide are potential customers for this book.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Brian Barber (MCSE, MCP+I, MCNE, CNE-5, CNE-4, CNA-3, CNA-GW), co-author of Syngress Publishing's Configuring Exchange 2000 Server (ISBN: 1-928994-25-3) is a Senior Technology Consultant with Sierra Systems Consultants Inc. in Ottawa, Canada.
As such, he provides technical architecture consulting and analysis to public and private sector clients. Brian specializes in technical and network architecture, focusing on Web-enabled service delivery through directory services and messaging. His background includes positions as Senior Technical Analyst at MetLife and Senior Technical Coordinator at the LGS Group Inc. (now a part of IBM Global Services).
TECHNOLOGY
BACKGROUND
Windows Server Update Services is a patch and update component of Windows Server and offers an effective and quick way to help keep systems up to date. Windows Server Update Services provides a management infrastructure consisting of the following: Microsoft Update: The Microsoft Web site that Windows Server Update Services components connect to for updates to Microsoft products. Windows Server Update Services server: The server component that is installed on a computer running a Windows 2000 Server with Service Pack 4 (SP4) or Windows Server 2003 operating system inside the corporate firewall. Windows Server Update Services server provides the features that administrators need to manage and distribute updates through a Web-based tool, which can be accessed from Internet Explorer on any Windows computer in the corporate network. In addition, a Windows Server Update Services server can be the update source for other Windows Server Update Services servers. Automatic Updates: The client computer component built into Windows 2000 with SP3, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems. Automatic Updates enables both server and client computers to receive updates from Microsoft Update or from a server running Windows Server Update Services. |
