windows update alerts 1

[elmurado]

Hi,
wanted to find out if anyone knows of an alert service for windows updates which are not security updates.
We are still waiting for approval of a WSUS server(it will have other roles too) and I have to try and keep 60 machines all updated, so currently am doing this via GPO but I need to know when updates are coming out beforehand.
I'm subscribed to a MS bulletin for security updates but can't find one for non security ones.

Cheers

 

[linney]

Are Automatic Updates the same updates as those that are available from the Windows Update Web site?

Yes. However, Automatic Updates delivers only the latest important updates that can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. These updates can include security updates, critical updates and service packs and should be installed as soon as they are released. You can download and install other types of updates, such as upgrades and tools that help improve the performance of your computer, by visiting the Windows Update Web site (

http://www.microsoft.com/)

on a regular basis."

http://207.46.196.114/WindowsServer...a611-4f36-8bfe-99f8e6af26cf1033.mspx?mfr=true

Windows Vista Team Blog : Windows Update ( Jim Allchin)

"First, while Automatic Updates in Windows XP SP2 did a great job of getting critical security fixes onto your PC, there really was no way for you to automatically keep your PC up-to-date with the non-critical updates that are important to keep your PC current."

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/rss.aspx?Tags=Windows+Update&;AndTags=1

 

[elmurado]

Thanks Linney-I knew about the first link but the second one looks like good stuff. I guess i just wanted a bulletin like the security bulletin but for non security ones. Not sure if there is such a thing.

 

[linney]

Does the Microsoft Download Center notification process apply? It seems to be a wider coverage than just Microsoft Updates.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/render.aspx?displaylang=en&content=notifications

Perhaps someone else will have a lead to some third party program, you could look at this program to see if it's of use?

BigFix.

http://www.bigfix.com/

http://www.bigfix.com/products/coreservices/benefits.html

 

[elmurado]

I'll subscribe and see what it comes up with.

What I've got at the moment are updates coming through without any kind of testing process and I need to know what is coming up in future updates so that I can use some 'canary' machines to see what happens and then allow the rest to update via GPO.
When we get WSUS this will be easier.

Cheers