Microsoft Patch Management For Home Users/Patch management software

Microsoft Patch Management For Home Users/Patch management software

Microsoft Patch Management For Home Users

With easy access to Broadband and DSL the number of people using the Internet has skyrocket in recent years. Email, instant messaging and file sharing with other Internet users has also provided a platform for faster spreading of viruses, Trojans and Spyware. Being on the Internet without proper protection is like walking in the rain with no umbrella – you’re gonna get wet no matter how fast you run.

With so many computers installed in home offices it becomes critical that home users install the latest Microsoft patches when they become available. Older operating systems like Windows 98, Windows Millennium, Windows 2000, or Windows XP prior to Service Pack require the user to initiate the process of checking for security patches. Windows XP Service Pack 2 has changed this and the default settings are now notifying the user of available updates automatically. This has increased the level of security in some areas, but there is a very large number of users and computers that do not install security patches or hot fixes provided by Microsoft.

Once patches are available Microsoft recommends to install them immediately. Depending on the confidence level of the user this should be done fairly soon after the patch release. If a users has several systems available it is recommended to test the patches on the least critical system first before updating all machines. Only one machine at a time is recommended to keep track of things and to be able to fix problems. In Windows XP it is also recommended to create a restore point first so that the system can revert back to the existing state before patching. Home users should closely follow the media about virus outbreaks and updates. Waiting a few days with patching a machine can make sense if some critical work is done on the computer an important deadline needs to be kept. Nothing is more annoying than having to fight computer problems with limited time at hand. Speaking of time – never install patches without having enough time at hand. Users should allocate 60 minutes of time just in case. If something goes wrong time pressure is the last thing you want to face when troubleshooting a machine that is down.

What is patch management tool?

Patch management is the handling of operating system (OS), platform, or application updates by an administrator. It entails identifying system features that can be rectified or enhanced, developing the patch or upgrade, publishing the update package, and ensuring that the updates are installed correctly.

What is patch management example?

Patches are frequently released by Microsoft for its Office and Windows Office suites of products. On a monthly basis, the patches are typically published, frequently on a day that has come to be known as Patch Tuesday.

Does Microsoft have patch management?

The updating process for antivirus definitions is automated by Patch Manager Plus if Microsoft Client Security is installed on the network machines. You may plan how frequently your systems are scanned and set up for virus definition updates using Patch Manager Plus' APD settings.