NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Automatic Updates

Windows Update is a web-based software update service for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It offers a location for downloading critical system component updates, service packs, security fixes, patches and free upgrades to selected Windows components. Additionally, it automatically detects the user's hardware and provides driver updates when available, and can offer beta versions of some Microsoft programs. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Microsoft Update automates patching through the Internet Explorer web browser. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x738, 103 KB)Windows Update v6 homepage File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x738, 103 KB)Windows Update v6 homepage File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Internet Explorer, abbreviated IE or MSIE, is a proprietary graphical web browser made by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. ... Image File history File links Windows_Update_icon. ... Software Update is a software tool by Apple Computer that install the latest version of Apple software on computers running Mac OS X (there was also a Software update tool for classic Mac OS). ... Microsoft Windows is a series of proprietary operating environments and operating systems created by Microsoft for use on personal computers and servers. ... An operating system (OS) is an essential software program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer. ... Software component representations: above the representation used in UML, below the representation commonly used by Microsofts COM objects. ... A Service Pack (more commonly, SP) is a software program that corrects known bugs, problems, or adds new features. ... In computing, a patch is a small piece of software designed to update or fix problems with a computer program. ... Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. ... A device driver, often called a driver for short, is a computer program that enables another program, typically an operating system (OS), to interact with a hardware device. ... Development stage terminology expresses how the development of a piece of software has progressed and how much further development it may require. ... A version is a state of an object or concept that varies from its previous state or condition. ... Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT, SEHK: 4338) is an American multinational computer technology corporation that has global annual sales of over 41. ... The terms computer program, software program, applications program, system software, or just program are used to refer to either an executable program by both lay people and computer programmers or the collection of source code from which an executable program is created (eg, compiled). ...

Overview

Most new updates and patches go "live" on the Windows Update website very soon after they are released. Alternatively, fixes and updates can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website. Corporate networks and servers running Microsoft Windows on a large scale might find it more practical to use Windows Server Update Services instead, as it automates the process of retrieving patches from Windows Update, and distributing them to client machines. This page as shown in the aol 9. ... A corporation is a legal person that exists quite separately from the natural persons who work with and for it. ... A computer network is a system for communication between computers. ... In information technology, a server is a computer system that provides services to other computing systemsâ€”called clientsâ€”over a network. ... Screenshot of Windows Software Update Services administration console Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a software update service for Microsoft Windows operating systems on a large scale. ...

The Windows Update website requires Internet Explorer or an Internet Explorer shell replacement, as it requires the use of an ActiveX control. Also, it is coded using the Microsoft scripting languages VBScript and JScript. It is compatible with Netscape 8.0, which uses the Internet Explorer rendering engine for that particular website. Internet Explorer, abbreviated IE or MSIE, is a proprietary graphical web browser made by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. ... An Internet Explorer shell is computer software (in most cases, a web browser) that uses the Trident rendering engine of Internet Explorer. ... In programming, the Component Object Model (COM), also known as ActiveX, is a Microsoft technology for software components. ... Scripting languages (commonly called scripting programming languages or script languages) are computer programming languages initially used only for simple, repeated actions. ... VBScript (short form of Visual Basic Script Edition) is an Active Scripting language interpreted via Microsofts Windows Script Host. ... JScript is Microsofts Active Scripting implementation of ECMAScript. ... Netscape is the general name for a series of web browsers originally produced by Netscape Communications Corporation, but now developed by AOL. The original browser was once the dominant browser in terms of usage share, but it now has only a relatively small number of users. ...

In 2005, Microsoft introduced an optional Microsoft Update that delivers updates for supported operating systems, plus Microsoft Office (Office XP and Office 2003 all-user installations only), Exchange and SQL Server. This responded to a common criticism among many customers that it was too difficult to get all the necessary updates from the various Microsoft product websites. Template:Diffgggtgerent calendars 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Microsoft Update automates patching through the Internet Explorer web browser. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into List of operating systems. ... Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity programs created by Microsoft and developed for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems. ... Microsoft Exchange Server is a messaging and collaborative software product developed by Microsoft. ... Mostly it refers to the Microsoft SQL Server, which was actually derived from Sybase SQL Server ...

History

The Windows Update site was first introduced with the launch of Windows 98. Since then the site has gone through several revisions. Windows 98 (codename Memphis) is a graphical operating system released on June 25, 1998 by Microsoft. ...

In late 2004, Microsoft released Windows Update 5 for Windows XP, which includes Service Pack 2 and several major changes to the update application. Users without broadband access can order a CD of XP Service Pack 2 from the Microsoft website; there is no charge even for shipping, and the packaging encourages sharing the CD with other users of Windows XP. After installing SP2, one should then go to the Microsoft website to check for newer updates—dozens have been released since SP2. 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Windows XP is one of the major revisions of the Microsoft Windows operating system created for use on desktop and business computer systems. ... Windows XP is one of the major revisions of the Microsoft Windows operating system created for use on desktop and business computer systems. ... CD may stand for: Compact Disc Canadian Forces Decoration Cash Dispenser (at least used in Japan) CD LPMud Driver Centrum-Demokraterne (Centre Democrats of Denmark) Certificate of Deposit ÄŒeskÃ© DrÃ¡hy (Czech Railways) Chad (NATO country code) Chalmers DatorfÃ¶rening (computer club of the Chalmers University of Technology) a 1960s...

In July 2005, Microsoft introduced Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) for users updating any version of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000. Treated as an update, the software analyzes the user's computer and determines if their copy of Windows XP is genuine. If the software determines that the copy is pirated, it offers the user a chance to reveal where they bought their copy in exchange for a free or reduced price legitimate copy of Windows XP. However contrary to rumor, WGA will not download critical patches to illicit software sites. Template:Diffgggtgerent calendars 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a program initiated by Microsoft which requires users of Microsoft Windows to validate their copy of several Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services such as Windows Update and downloading from Microsoft Download Center. ... Windows XP is one of the major revisions of the Microsoft Windows operating system created for use on desktop and business computer systems. ... Windows Server 2003 is the name of Microsofts line of server operating systems. ... Windows 2000 (also referred to as Win2K or W2K) is a preemptible and interruptible, graphical, business-oriented operating system that was designed to work with either uniprocessor or symmetric multi-processor (SMP) 32-bit Intel x86 computers. ...

Windows Vista

In Vista, the next version of the Windows operating system, Windows Update will not be a web application. Instead, all the functionality of the Windows Update web site has been incorporated into a new Control Panel. Additionally, Windows Update will take responsibility for delivering definitions updates to Vista's Windows Defender anti-spyware product, as well as Junk Mail filter updates for Windows Mail. Windows Update will also offer additional software to users of the "Ultimate" edition of Windows Vista. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Image File history File links Nuvola_apps_kpager. ... Windows Vista is the next major version of Microsoft Windows, the proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft. ... Windows Vista is the next major version of Microsoft Windows, the proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft. ... A screenshot of a typical Windows XP Control Panel. ... Windows Defender, previously known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, is a software product from Microsoft designed to prevent and remove or quarantine spyware on Microsofts Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista operating systems. ... Windows Mail is the new e-mail client which is going to debut in Windows Vista. ...

The move away from the web-based paradigm for Windows Updates should alleviate the concerns that many critics had regarding the ability of a web browser to perform trusted update operations on a Windows computer.

Windows "Genuine Advantage" program

The Windows Genuine Advantage program, released on July 28, 2005, is used by Microsoft to enforce its licence agreement when users seek to update their copies of Microsoft software. It authenticates Windows before allowing any non-critical security updates to be obtained. Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a program initiated by Microsoft which requires users of Microsoft Windows to validate their copy of several Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services such as Windows Update and downloading from Microsoft Download Center. ... July 28 is the 209th day (210th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 156 days remaining. ... Template:Diffgggtgerent calendars 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Originally it was believed that it would not prevent users of unchecked systems from receiving critical and security updates through the Automatic Update service, because Microsoft deemed the security and reputation risk from unpatched systems greater than the loss of income from pirated copies. However this has not been the case. WGA uses either a stand alone program to generate a key, or an ActiveX control, to discover if the licence key is valid. In programming, the Component Object Model (COM), also known as ActiveX, is a Microsoft technology for software components. ...

The WGA system has been cracked several times, at first with a JavaScript line (within 24 hours of its release on 28 July 2005), and later with software. Most recently some users have ceased to use Windows Update at all, moving to alternate programs that allow the use of alternative web browsers, such as WindizUpdate. Or by using AutoPatcher or Bigfix which do not require the use of a browser. Look up crack in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... JavaScript is the name of Netscape Communications Corporations implementation of ECMAScript, a scripting programming language based on the concept of prototypes. ... It has been suggested that Comparison of web browsers be merged into this article or section. ... WindizUpdate is a web-based automatic product update service designed as an alternative to Windows Update. ... Autopatcher is a comprehensive collection of up to date patches, addons and registry tweaks collated into a single package designed to update a Windows XP SP2, Windows 2000 SP4 or Windows 2003 RTM system, without the need to use Microsoft Update every time the Administrator needs to update from service...

However, the overwhelming majority of Windows XP users have the default settings of Windows Update turned on. This means that most Windows XP users are running the latest version of Internet Explorer and have the latest patches installed on their operating system.

On May 5, 2006, InformationWeek reported that "Microsoft is piloting an opt-in notification service for its Windows Genuine Advantage online verification program in the U.S., which may make it mandatory for users to get Automatic Update or Windows Update Rights," in its article titled, "Microsoft: Users May Have To Prove Legal Windows Use." Microsoft's KB905474 WGA Notification update was presented to users in April, 2006. It nags users to get legitimate if their Windows is detected as not being genuine. This notification module is installed automatically along with other Automatic Updates if the setting to always install updates is chosen- the opt-in process is no more or less extensive than that for other automatic updates. Description of the Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications application

Third-party alternatives

In January 2005, a third-party alternative to Windows Update, WindizUpdate, was made available. This service supports Mozilla and Opera based browsers, allowing users to receive a similar service without the need for Internet Explorer. The legality of this service, however, is questionable.[Needs citation re:legal issues] WindizUpdate is a web-based automatic product update service designed as an alternative to Windows Update. ... Mozilla logo Mozilla Firefox is a computer term that has had many different uses, though all of them have been related to Netscape Communications Corporation and its related application software. ... Opera is an Internet suite which handles common internet-related tasks, including visiting web sites, sending and receiving e-mail messages, managing contacts, and online chat. ...

External links

Categories: Articles to be merged | Upcoming software | Microsoft Windows | Patch utilities | Security software Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT, SEHK: 4338) is an American multinational computer technology corporation that has global annual sales of over 41. ... Microsoft Windows is a series of proprietary operating environments and operating systems created by Microsoft for use on personal computers and servers. ... Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity programs created by Microsoft and developed for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems. ... Windows Server System logo Windows Server System is an integrated set of server software, from Microsoft, that forms the infrastructure for operating the backend of an institutions information technology system. ... Microsoft Dynamics is the next generation software for business solutions made by Microsoft. ... The Microsoft . ... Microsoft Visual Studio is an advanced integrated development environment by Microsoft. ... Microsoft Works is an office suite available from the Microsoft Corporation. ... Microsoft Money 2006 Premium Microsoft Money is Microsofts personal finance software for computers using the Microsoft Windows operating system. ... Encarta is a digital multimedia encyclopedia published by Microsoft Corporation. ... Windows Defender, previously known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, is a software product from Microsoft designed to prevent and remove or quarantine spyware on Microsofts Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Vista operating systems. ... The following is an incomplete list of Microsoft software applications. ... Typically Active Directory is managed using the graphical Microsoft Management Console. ... DirectX is a collection of proprietory APIs for handling tasks related to game programming and limited to the Microsoft Windows operating system. ... Internet Explorer, abbreviated IE or MSIE, is a proprietary graphical web browser made by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. ... Microsoft Outlook Express is an e-mail and news client bundled with certain versions of Microsoft Windows starting with Windows 95 OSR-2. ... Windows Media Player is a proprietary freeware software media player used for playing audio, as well as viewing video and images on personal computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. ... Windows Movie Maker is a video editing software that is included with Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Me. ... Windows Explorer running on Windows XP Windows Explorer is an application that is part of modern versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system that provides a graphical user interface for accessing the file systems. ... The following is a list of Microsoft Windows components. ... Microsoft Passport Network is a unified-login service provided by Microsoft that allows users to log in to many websites using one account. ... MSNBC (a portmanteau of Microsoft and NBC) is a 24-hour cable news channel in the United States. ... MSN (or The Microsoft Network) a collection of Internet services provided by Microsoft. ... Hotmail is a free webmail e-mail service, which is accessible via a web browser. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Windows Live. ... MSN Messenger is Microsofts instant messaging client for Windows computers aimed toward the home user, Among its users it is often referred to as MSN, though in Latin America and Spain it is known as el Messenger, as other instant messaging clients are less popular there. ... MSN Spaces is Microsofts free blogging platform. ... MSN Groups (previously known as MSN Communities) is a site created by Microsoft. ... Get the Facts is a FUD-campaign-initiative created by Microsoft 2004. ... Microsoft Game Studios (MGS), branded with current logo and moniker in 2002 (formerly the Microsoft Game Division), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp. ... Microsoft Zone (also known as Zone. ... The Microsoft Xbox is a sixth generation era video game console first released on November 15, 2001 in North America, then released on February 22, 2002 in Japan, and on March 14, 2002 in Europe. ... The Xbox 360, known during development as the Xenon, Xbox 2, or the Xbox Next, is the successor to Microsofts original Xbox video game console. ... Xbox Live is a subscription-based online gaming service for Microsofts Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. ... MSN TV (formerly WebTV) is a service that provides dial-up web access to consumers, using a television for display rather than a monitor. ... The Microsoft Natural Keyboard was introduced by Microsoft in 1995. ... Operating a mechanical mouse. ... First-generation Microsoft Sidewinder Microsoft Sidewinder is the general name given to the family of digital game controllers developed by Microsoft for PCs. ... Category: ... The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program is an IT professional certification for Microsoft products. ... The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is the portion of Microsoft responsible for managing the firms relationship with developers. ... MSDN Academic Alliance is a Microsoft program which provides MSDN subscriptions for free for students and faculty in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, and related fields. ... Microsoft Campus Agreement or MSCA is a program intended to RAPE students, faculty, and staff of select universities which enter into AN ETERNAL BLOOD TRUCE with Microsoft. ... Microsoft Press is the publishing arm of Microsoft, usually releasing books dealing with various current Microsoft technologies. ...

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