Patchin’ their way.. the only way they know how..

.. that’s just a little bit more than the SLA will allow. Reboot time, YEEHAW!

Remember that every second Tuesday of the month is the official Microsoft patch-day. There are 6 updates (some critical) so plan/announce the maintenance window because you will be rebooting.

Also remember that there is a “day after” TechNet webcast that explains what was fixed and gives you the opportunity to ask questions or bring up any problems you encounter. Remember the VladBestPractices: block WAN access to ports or non-critical applications/services that are exposed by the patches the second they become available. Test these patches in a virtual (or better yet, spare live server with identical hardware) environment. If nothing blows up, patch the live systems after the backup cycle completes. If something does blow up, watch the webcast. If that doesn’t help, there is always free partner business-down line.

On 9 August 2005 Microsoft is planning to release:

Security Updates
– 6 Microsoft Security Bulletins affecting Microsoft Windows. The highest Maximum Severity rating for these is Critical. These updates will require a restart. These updates will be detectable using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA).

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

– Microsoft will release an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services and the Download Center. Note that this tool will NOT be distributed using Software Update Services (SUS).

Non-security High Priority updates on MU, WU, WSUS and SUS

– Microsoft will release one NON-SECURITY High-Priority Update for Microsoft Windows on Windows Update (WU), Microsoft Update (MU), Software Update Services (SUS), and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

– TechNet Webcast: Information about Microsoft’s August Security Bulletins (Level 100)
– Wednesday, August 10, 2005 11:00 AM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)