Automatic Windows Updates

[keepsmilin456]

Clients:
Windows XP and Windows 2000.

Is there a way to automatically push out windows updates on client machines? I have looked into management software such as altiris and landesk...way too pricey! This is bascially a synopsis of what I would like to do:

1. Have this application check currently installed windows (office too) updates on client machines.

2. Have this application push out updates to client machines.

Question:

1. What will be required or "installed" on the client side prior to updating?

Thanks in advance!

 

[soundguy]

You can enable windows update on the clients to automatically download updates to the clients. But this can only be done if the users have local admin privledges. Once they are dwonloaded the users are prompted to install the updates.

If the update or patch is an .msi file then you can apply a software installation policy for that file in the group policy for your organisational unit defined in active directory.

There are some other options available for windows update in Group Policies.

I have asked the same question to my MCT during my MSCE course, the above are the only known workarounds. Without any third party software.

 

[kwaddy]

I have the same question. Is there a third party utility that can make a server a "Windows Update Server"?

 

[jsundin3]

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer or go to Shavlik.com I believe and there is a free version you can push 3 updates I believe or pay for it for unlimited....pretty nice site too ....

JeffS