Re: how to stay updated on the hotfixes for SBS2003

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: root (postmaster_at_buchanangc.com)
Date: 06/17/04 

Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 20:57:04 -0700

"Les Connor [SBS MVP]" <les.connor@DEL.cfive.ca> wrote in message
news:e77xuD6UEHA.1152@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Hi IT,
>
> Do understand the differences between hotfixes and Updates, they're not
the
> same thing - initially at least.
> Hotfixes are software patches that are intended to resolve specific
issues,
> if and when they occur. They don't necessarily occur on all systems,
> therefore aren't necessarily applied in all circumstances - you generally
> only apply them if you have an issue that the hotfix is specifically
> intended to resolve. Usually you don't go looking for hotfixes to install
> unless you have an issue. Application of hotfixes is reactive.

HOWEVER keeping such hotfixes relatively invisible is the PROBLEM. I feel
sure that is the origin of the original post. The existence of a hotfix and
its description is an early warning and important knowledge for those
dealing with a number of installations and as such all hotfixes' existence
should be VISIBLE in a single place. Apparantly they are not and that IS a
DEFICIENCY!

> Security updates (if any) are released the second Tueasday of each month.
> They are hotfixes that are generally applied accross platforms - these are
> available via windows update. Application of Security updates is
proactive,
> you want to get them installed prior to a problem.
>
> Service Packs and Roll-ups are released periodically, and they generally
> contain hotfixes and security updates as well as other application or OS
> updates that have been tested and released since the product release, or
> last SP or Roll-up. They are sometimes optional, allthough most would
elect
> ot install a Service Pack shortly after it is released.
>
> Some SPs and Roll-ups are available via Windows Update, Office Update,
> others you must get from the download pages of the products - such as
> Exchange or ISA or SQL. SPs generally don't add features to existing
> products.
>
> As mentioned, there are third party products that will scan your system to
> help you identify security updates and in some cases SPs that should be
> applied.
>
> Feature Packs are another type release, typically optional, that add
> functionality to an application.

We'd like to see the FULL list in one place.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Reinstalling XP Patches
    ... Belarc has been wrong on my computer many times. ... security hotfixes (using the 12/17/2008 Microsoft Security Bulletin ... hotfix won't install over the previous hotfix-gone-bad. ... scan for updates - do those updates show in the High Priority ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Reinstalling XP Patches
    ... security hotfixes (using the 12/17/2008 Microsoft Security Bulletin ... Is there a way to get a specific hotfixe to reinstall without ... scan for updates - do those updates show in the High Priority ... If it asks you to install anything before you see a selection of "Custom" ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Reinstalling XP Patches
    ... security hotfixes (using the 12/17/2008 Microsoft Security Bulletin ... scan for updates - do those updates show in the High Priority ... Of course, I can't uninstall them, because I deleted the uninstall ... If it asks you to install anything before you see a selection of "Custom" ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Windows 2008 SBS - Intermittent Server Lockup / Non-Responsive
    ... In our case, the various updates and hotfixes that I installed initially seemed to clear up the problem, but then it reared its ugly head again just about when I was ready to call it 'fixed'. ... That led me to install the rest of the hotfixes and updates I listed, which *knock on wood* seems to have cleared up the issue, but I don't think I'm going to consider it 100% fixed until SP2 gets installed. ... when the server's locked up to reboot and/or remote-control the server. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)
  • Re: Hotfixes cause problems with IDE Hard Drives
    ... that's the only Security update of that group of updates. ... After the updating with any of those hotfixes, my IDE hard drives will not ... upon booting, they will spin down, but then if they're accessed they spin up ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsupdate)