Patch management often tops the list of Windows administrator headaches. Unfortunately, aside from what Microsoft offers, there are not many free patch management programs. In this toolbox we offer links to the old standby WSUS as well as links to free trials of the many commercial Windows patch management products.
Numara Patch Management |
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In any IT network, one vulnerable workstation is one too many. Numara™ Patch Manager is the complete patch management solution that scans, updates and downloads patches for Microsoft Operating Systems and applications across your entire network — directly from your desktop. |
| Windows Server Update Services
(WSUS) |
| Recommended patch management tools |
| Microsoft WSUS enables IT administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to
Microsoft Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP operating systems.
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| Service Pack Manager 2000 |
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| Service Pack Manager discovers NT/2000/XP/2003 systems and reports on the current OS and Service Pack level. SPM allows you to schedule automatic update of your network systems and more. |
| Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
(MBSA) |
| Recommended patch management tools |
| Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is an easy-to-use tool designed for the IT
professional that helps small and medium businesses determine their security state in accordance
with Microsoft security recommendations and offers specific remediation guidance.
|
| PatchLink Security Patch and Vulnerability
Management Solution |
| Easy-to-use Patchlink among top patch management solutions |
| PatchLink is a security patch and vulnerability management solution that combines vulnerability
assessment, patch management, network access control and reporting to help organizations address
the emerging security threats while minimizing costs and complexity.
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| PatchFactory 3.3 |
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PatchFactory performs almost any updating task, including synchronizing files, running an installer, updating your software, and even performing a custom action to keep your customers up-to-date and to significantly reduce your end-user support costs. |
| UpdateEXPERT Premium |
| Patch Management Learning Guide |
| UpdateEXPERT Premium is an advanced policy-based patch management solution that greatly speeds and simplifies the patching of systems whether your organization is an SME or large enterprise. |
| HFNetChk |
| Patch management tools: Different types, different approaches |
| Microsoft has released a tool called HFNetChk that will significantly aid system administrators in staying up to date with security patches. |
This was first published in July 2006