It is extremely important for all users to keep their systems updated with the latest Windows patches and security fixes. In the past, I have always told people that they should either use Windows Update at least weekly or set Automatic Updates to check for updates on a regular basis. This has always been the easiest and quickest way to keep your system running with the latest security fixes.
Unfortunately, there has been some controversy of late about some of Microsoft’s practices around “Windows Genuine Advantage”. Windows Genuine Advantage is a piece of software that monitors your system for what it feels are pirated software packages and reports back to Microsoft on a regular basis. There are debates as to how often it does this reporting but it occurs as frequently as daily.
Many people in the IT community believe that this is essentially spyware since there is no option to not install the software and it monitors your system when you are not aware of it. Needless to say, people are looking for alternatives.
In my searches, I have found a couple of different ways around this issue, some more technical than others but all viable.
Manual Installation
All of the the Microsoft Security updates are available as downloads which can be applied individually. This can be a daunting task since there are, at the writing of this article, 2232 patches that show up. But, if you do this regularly on “patch Tuesday”, it may be manageable.
Definitely not the best solution.
WindizUpdate
WindizUpdate looks like a replacement for Windows update. It works in similar ways and produces similar results but there are some issues:
- No support.
- Need to give an unsigned control access to your computer.
- Only a hobby for some guy which means that the updates are provided on a best effort basis
I think that WindizUpdate will probably work well for many people but It makes me feel a bit nervous. That being said, I am using it on some of my systems that I do not feel are critical.
NetChk Protect
Shavlik has been an industry leader for several years in the area of patch management. They have released a product called NetChk Protect which is aimed at the end user market. It looks like a really good product that will probably end up becoming my product of choice.
The down side to NetChk Protect is the fact that it is not free in the long term. You can download a free version now but you will have to pay for it later.
Conclusion
The long and the short of it is that there are options out there for you. Unfortunately, it will probably take you some work, time and/or money to get things up to speed.
If you found this post useful, why don't you buy me a cup of coffee to show your gratitude?
| Trackback link - http://www.dailycupoftech.com/windows-update-without-windows-update/trackback/ |
|
October 4th, 2006 at 2:27 pm
Here’s a good one: http://www.autopatcher.com/ - might be easiest for most home users…
Later
Rob
October 4th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
I’ve been through AutoPatcher in the past and it is an excellent resource, especially if you are looking to reinstall your operating system. It also is a great way to quickly see what has been released recently so that you do not need to constantly dig through Microsoft’s website.
Tim
November 22nd, 2006 at 2:42 pm
For those who are curious about Shavlik NetChkPro, an awesome patch management solution for corporate environment, we have a review of the product right here:
http://geeksaresexy.blogspot.com/2005/12/taking-patch-management-to-next-level.html
There’s a basic version of NetChkPro for 99$ on Shavlik’s website. Definitely worth the investment.
December 6th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Trend Micro PC-Cillin 2005, 2006, (and i’m assuming 2007) have a feature that will check for security flaws and patches and give you the KB article. It compares your computer to M$’s list of high priority updates. It appears to work pretty well too as far as I know. If you happen to have the program this may be useful for you, or might be a good selling point if your current AV subscription has expired…
December 18th, 2006 at 11:14 am
Check out heise Security Offline Update 3.0 Script Collection. I discovered this on Slashdot last week and from what I’ve seen of it so far during testing, I’m very impressed. Much more so, than with AutoPatcher which I have used in the past.
March 27th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
USB Drive Menu System USB Drive Splash Screen USB Drive Systems Useful AutoIt Scriptlets Users Online Using a TrueCrypt Volume Windows Backup With Rsync and FreeNAS Windows Home Server Screenshot Tour Windows Update Without Windows Update Wish List Zen and the Art of the USB Drive Series Limitations, Challenges, and Resources My Philosophy of the USB Drive Setup and Configuration of My USB Drive USB Drive Applications Part 1 USB Drive Applications Part 2
February 15th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Agree with Rob Dunn.
Auto Patcher is probably the better choice right now. More User Friendly than most others.
Although they had legal problems in the near past with MS, they are getting around it with an Auto Patcher Updater (apup) which now will script everything then download the updates directly from the source (MS).
It did contain some bugs, but it seems to be fine now.
They are continuing to refine the updating process.
BTW: Tim, glad to hear from you again and that you are getting settled in at the new job. Good luck.