Network And Telecommunication Services - Windows Software Update Service (WSUS)
The Windows Software Update Service (WSUS) is an automated process to enable users of computers running the Windows XP and 2000 operating system to apply critical updates from Microsoft on their machines. This is similar to the way anti-virus software is updated.
Why is this being done?
The Internet has become a dangerous place! At the same time, reliable access to the campus network has become an essential part of the daily operation of the college. Balancing the need for convenient access to information with the need to protect campus resources will continue to be a challenge. The implementation of the perimeter firewall policy in January 2004 was a first step in protecting our campus network from the dangers of attack from off-campus (we are repelling millions of such attacks each day!). The next step is designed to help protect Hamilton's computing environment from the recent increase attacks on computers running Windows operating system.
Check out the CERT website for current updates on virus and alerts.
What are Windows Updates?
Microsoft periodically releases updates to its operating systems and applications. The updates can be software fixes, critical patches to security vulnerabilities, service packs, or other product enhancements.
A feature built-in to the Windows operating system called Automatic Update allows an individual to configure his or her computer to search Microsoft's Windows Update Web site for updates and download them using an Internet connection so they can be installed. The process can be done manually or configured to run automatically on a schedule.
A Windows Software Update Service (WSUS) server uses the Automatic Update technology to automatically distribute critical updates to Windows computers from a campus server, without any manual configuration or setup by the individual user. In addition, WSUS provides a means for updates to be tested and approved before distribution. This WSUS solution applies to employee Windows XP Professional workstations.
How will the update service work at Hamilton?
ITS will manage a WSUS server to automatically administer and deploy critical and security updates to Windows XP Professional computers.
Security and critical updates are downloaded to our campus WSUS server as soon as they are released from Microsoft.
The updates are tested for compatibility with Hamilton standard, academic, and other commonly used software by a test group. The testing phase will generally will be two days unless the update addresses known security exploits, in which case immediate distribution will occur.
Upon completion and approval of the testing, a notice will be sent to campus via email announcing the automatic deployment of the critical update as is currently done for viruses.
During the deployment period the update will be automatically downloaded to your computer and the installation will occur as follows:
If you keep your computer on overnight the update will be applied automatically to your machine (log off your computer for security purposes).
If your computer is off, the update will take place within 5 minutes after the next time your computer is turned on. The update may require a reboot of your system.
The automatic update will not restart the computer automatically during a scheduled installation, it will notify the user to restart the computer in order to complete the installation
If you are logged on to the computer when the update is downloaded you will see a notification alert in the system tray. You can install the update immediately by clicking the icon and the following prompts.
For those Windows computers running an operating system below Windows 2000, users must manually update their computers on a regular basis using Microsoft's Update Site. (for directions for Windows XP Home, Windows 98, Windows ME users, read the document that explains how to install the critical operating system patches.
If you have further questions contact Desktop Integration Services - email address: dis@hamilton.edu or call x5347.
You can E-mail the Network Services Team at: ns@hamilton.edu
