Dave
Thu Sep 11 16:11:48 CDT 2003
This is what I do. To keep posted on when updates are released:
1. Go here and register for the free security bulletin service from MS
http://www.microsoft.com/securitynotification.
2. Read this group and other relevant sources frequently.
3. Check with Windows Update about once a week. This is not to say that
you need to let WU install the updates, but you can let it scan to see which
you are missing. Whether or not you let WU install the updates is up to
you - it's probably easiest, but there are some risks. At the very least,
if you use WU, make sure you write down what you're installing in case of a
problem.
4. Get and run the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. Install it on
your workstation and run it against your servers. If you want, you can also
run it against your workstations to see what's going on there. It not only
tells you about missing patches, but settings, etc. that could cause risk.
Sorry this link is probably going to wrap.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9a88e63b-92e3-4f97-80e7-8bc9ff836742&DisplayLang=en
I make a strong effort to do either #3 or 4 at least once a week, which is
not to say that I always get around to it. Because of #1, I feel that I am
aware of the most critical updates as soon as they are released. Depending
on the severity of the critical updates, I either install them the evening
they are released, or no later than the following Saturday. For service
packs and other large or less critical patches, I wait a week or so to see
if any of the early adopters in this group report problems.
Depending on how much time is spent connected to the Internet, the fact that
you're on a modem mitigates some of your security risks. However, you
should still keep as current as possible on updates. For one thing, being
on a modem doesn't eliminate every risk. Also, if your security patches are
current, it'll be that much easier when you go to switch to a fulltime
connection.
"jhardy" <jhardy012003@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:049901c378a1$a9180fa0$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Hi
>
> What is the easiest way to keep my server updated with the
> latest microsoft updates?
>
> How do i know that these updates will not screw up my
> Server?
>
> I have got a dial up modem connection to the internet from
> the Server.
>
> Please, please, please keep it simple for me.
>
> I am using sbs 2000.
>
> thanks again
> .
>
>