Microsoft Security Updates

What’s New?

July 2009

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

Technology Services has been performing extensive testing of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista since its release in April this year.

We are planning to deploy Service Pack 2 to Vista machines beginning August 2009. A dedicated machine is available on our premises for those wishing to perform application testing. For those who perform regular patch testing, we suggest using this machine when you do your July testing.

March 2009

The process and schedule have not changed, but ITS is no longer using Patchlink to deploy patches to workstations. Patches are now deployed using Microsoft’s patch management solution.

Please click here to see sample screenshots.

Schedule

On the second Tuesday of every month, Microsoft releases updates to address security vulnerabilities in their Operating Systems and applications. Technology Services works with Business Areas to test these patches against core University business applications. If no problems are found, we will deploy these updates to all University systems the following Friday and over the weekend.

Technology Services recommends that you leave your computer on, but logged out when you leave work on the Friday. Your machine should be patched and rebooted over the weekend. 

To receive a reminder email on the Friday, please see the section "How to Stay Informed" below.

Out-of-Band Releases

Occasionally Microsoft will release security updates outside of this regular schedule. These out-of-band releases usually correspond to a ciritical vulnerability that is actively being exploited. Technology Services will assess out-of-band releases and where necessary, deploy them outside the regular monthly patching schedule.

Rebooting

Where possible, Technology Services will avoid rebooting systems during business hours. In the case where security threats are found to be affecting, or have the possibility of affecting the normal operation of the University's systems, it may be unavoidable.

Please note that if you are logged in when a reboot is enforced, you will be given a three hour countdown. It is recommended that you reboot at your earliest convenience within this three hour window.  If you are not present for the notifications the computer will automatically restart, therefore you should always save your work before leaving your computer unattended for extended periods of time.

How to Stay Informed

To see Microsoft's current security bulletin detailing the number of patches and services affected, please visit the following website:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

A voluntary email list has been setup to keep staff informed of desktop patching issues.
To subscribe please click here.

Areas not managed by Technology Services

Please see the following website for information:

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/its/security/patching/other.html

Who should I contact about Microsoft Security Updates?

Contact the Service Desk on 8303 3000 or email: servicedesk@adelaide.edu.au