Windows Patches system

[Guest]

I am trying to do some patch management by downloading patch files from
Microsoft. I have the following questions. Please help.
1. What is Q numbers, Service Patches, Update, etc. (Bascially, I want to
understand the numbering system from Microsoft, I am confused, such as
'Security Update for Windows XP (KB810217)', '329170: Security Update')
2. In the SUS server's detail info for patch file, there is a setup
parameters, such as '-q /Z -ER', what does it mean? Where to find more info?
If I manually run the exe, do I have to give them as arguments?
3. How does Microsoft or SUS make sure the patches are in order? If I
download all the patches files, which order should I execute them?
4. In SUS server, is there a way to limited only syn on Windows XP, not
include other platforms?

Thanks in advanced

 

[Guest]

There is a very good Patch Management Solution Accelerator document located
on the Microsoft website that would answer most of these questions for you....

CanNear

 

[Guest]

I cannot find the answers for patch numering system and manual executing
Patch parameter in the following Microsoft Doc.
* Delopying Microsoft Software Udpate Services
* Software Update Services Overview
* How to Perform Patch Management Using SUS
* Delpying Windows XP Sevice Pack 2 using Software Update Services

Hi CanNear or others, please help in directing me specifically. Thanks in
advanced

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

I am trying to do some patch management by downloading patch files from
Microsoft. I have the following questions. Please help.
1. What is Q numbers, Service Patches, Update, etc. (Bascially, I want to
understand the numbering system from Microsoft, I am confused, such as
'Security Update for Windows XP (KB810217)', '329170: Security Update')

Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe
Microsoft software updates
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;824684

The number in itself is just a unique index number.

2. In the SUS server's detail info for patch file, there is a setup
parameters, such as '-q /Z -ER', what does it mean? Where to find more info?

The security bulletin for each security update documents the command
line switches (expand the Security Update Information section).

A listing of security bulletins is to be found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

If I manually run the exe, do I have to give them as arguments?
No.


3. How does Microsoft or SUS make sure the patches are in order? If I
download all the patches files, which order should I execute them?

Service packs first (with a reboot), then any Security Rollups (with a
reboot), then the latest cumulative Internet Explorer update (with a
reboot), then all other updates, order of install is irrelevant (you
may want to do a reboot for e.g. each 5th update you install).

4. In SUS server, is there a way to limited only syn on Windows XP, not
include other platforms?

No, you will need to wait for the new version (WUS) that is in beta now.