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Guide to patching Windows desktops
Whether you find patching Windows desktops overwhelming or easy enough to do in your sleep, this guide explains the most important steps and patch tools to consider. Guide
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Patch management guide for Windows desktops
Routinely patching your Windows desktops is a necessary evil -- but patch management can be overwhelming. Get a grasp on the process with this learning guide. Learning Guide
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Top 10 desktop security tips of 2010
Our most popular security tips of 2010 will teach you how to block USB access on endpoints, track down temporary files and crack a password in Windows 7. Top Tips
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What's up with Microsoft's WSUS?
Microsoft managers provide insights into the latest updates and plans for the free Windows Server Update Services patch management tool. Q&A
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Windows security tools for the busy desktop administrator
Looking for Windows security tools, but don't have time to do the research? Learn about a few that come highly-recommended by one of our top security experts. Fast Guide
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Improve Windows security with our top 10 tips
Learn how to boost Windows security in your organization as we recap our top 10 tips of the year. Tip series
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Windows Vista management tutorial
Managing Windows Vista systems comes with several challenging issues. With our Vista management tutorial, you'll learn how to ease the pain caused by some common Vista issues. Tip series
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Windows security in the enterprise: Tutorials
In this collection of Windows security tutorials, learn about Windows security threats, Microsoft patch management policy, managing network access and more. Learning Guide
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Top network security tips of 2006
The top Windows networking security tips of 2006 cover a range of topics, including network isolation, open source Windows security tools, VPN security and more. Tip series
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Phishing filter: Step 2
Trying to find out what's so special about IE7? Read up on the new security features present in IE7, and learn which of these features are user configurable. Step-by-Step Guide
- See More: Essential Knowledge on Patches, alerts and critical updates
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Windows Intune helps strapped IT departments with desktop management
Small IT departments say it's better late than never for Windows Intune -- a cloud-based desktop management app for remote desktop access, patches, antivirus and software updates. News | 10 Feb 2012
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Microsoft to roll out 'critical' patches for Windows and IE
Microsoft delivered updates to patch 22 vulnerabilities across several of its core products, including Windows Server 2008, Internet Explorer and the .Net Framework. News | 10 Aug 2011
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Microsoft drops a holiday bomb on December's Patch Tuesday
Microsoft is ending the year with a bang. It released 17 security bulletins this Patch Tuesday -- the largest number ever. Article | 14 Dec 2010
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Weary Windows admins get a respite in November's Patch Tuesday
After a heavy two months, Microsoft released only three security bulletins for November. The patches affect PowerPoint and all versions of Office. Article | 10 Nov 2010
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Microsoft's 16 Patch Tuesday terrors include tricks, no treats
Microsoft has released a record number of security bulletins for October's Patch Tuesday, including fixes for Internet Explorer, Excel, Word and Windows. See what to apply first. Article | 13 Oct 2010
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Microsoft issues nine patches for September
Four of the security flaws that Microsoft addresses for September are rated "critical," and they affect Windows, Word and Outlook. Article | 15 Sep 2010
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Managing August's Windows desktop patches
With 14 security bulletins, Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday is the largest of the year so far. Install these seven fixes first, and avoid malicious websites. Article | 11 Aug 2010
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Microsoft's July security bulletins affect Windows, Office and Outlook
Three of Microsoft's four security bulletins for July 2010 are "critical." Make sure to apply them to systems running Windows, Office and Outlook as soon as possible. Article | 13 Jul 2010
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Microsoft issues 10 security patches, including three 'critical' ones
Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday security bulletins affect all of its operating systems, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office and more. Three are rated "critical." Article | 09 Jun 2010
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Microsoft releases 11 patches for Windows, Exchange and Office
Microsoft has released security bulletins for flaws in several of its enterprise applications, including Windows Media Services. See how urgent they are for you and your users. Article | 13 Apr 2010
- See More: News on Patches, alerts and critical updates
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Desktop patch management software features: A checklist
Desktop patch management is a critical function, but the amount of patch management software can be overwhelming. Focus on the most important patch management software features. Tip
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Windows desktop maintenance checklist for the holidays
With the holiday season upon us, IT pros may have some extra time on their hands. Here are a few Windows desktop maintenance items to take care of while the office is mostly empty. Tip
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Exposing Windows vulnerabilities by using Metasploit
Rather than wait for a malicious user to infiltrate your system, find out how to use Metasploit to expose the missing patches in time to protect your desktops. Tip
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Why aren't you using Metasploit to expose Windows vulnerabilities?
Many enterprise IT shops run vulnerability scans, pronounce systems at risk and leave it at that. Metasploit can help you find Windows flaws and demonstrate the value of security. Tip
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Should you use third-party patching tools to keep Windows 7 secure?
Don't assume that Microsoft's security updates will keep your Windows 7 desktops safe. Third-party patching products may be a better option. Tip
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Troubleshooting Windows 7 with built-in tools and online resources
Imagine a world where users can solve their desktop issues without calling help desk. These Windows 7 resources may bring you one step closer to that IT Utopia. Tip
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What is a Microsoft hotfix?
Hotfixes can solve an array of problems in your enterprise, but they have certain limitations and need to be managed properly. Tip
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Securing removable drives with BitLocker To Go
BitLocker To Go, which ships with Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise Editions, can help secure FireWire and USB drives — but is it right for your business? Tip
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Desktop security predictions for 2010
Smarter hackers, more malicious malware and the rise of social engineering may make 2010 a dangerous year in terms of security. See what to look out for to keep your desktops safe. Tip
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Structuring patch management in seven steps
Does your patch management process feel chaotic? With new patches popping up consistently, it's no surprise. Get some structure by breaking the process up into seven steps. Tip
- See More: Tips on Patches, alerts and critical updates
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How did a rootkit get on my Windows machine?
Figuring out how a rootkit made its way onto your Windows machine is difficult, but not impossible. If you're lucky, you can trace that rootkit. Find out how here. Ask the Expert
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Patch management and Windows Update aid in network setup
Following patch management best practices and keeping up with Windows Update can help you during the network setup stages and improve Windows network security. Ask the Expert
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How can I run third-party antivirus software?
If you ever have trouble downloading and running antivirus software, this expert advice will teach you to use Internet Explorer security settings to allow the download. Ask the Expert
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Spoofed email addresses
Your email address can be spoofed by any person at any time. According to Windows security expert, Kevin Beaver, you should use digital signatures to prevent this. Ask the Expert
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Hunt down a hacker
If you have ever had a rogue user delete files from a server and want to find out who that person is, then piece of advice from Windows networking security expert Wes Noonan's might just be for you. Ask the Expert
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A proper set of antivirus tools?
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver analyzes a set of tools and their potential antivirus capabilities, and suggests that more is needed to keep viruses at bay. Ask the Expert
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Virus causing sound and video problems?
Are your sound and video problems a result of a virus? Even though anything is possible with malicious code, says site expert Kevin Beaver, that might not be the problem you're experiencing. Ask the Expert
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Unjoin a domain to avoid a virus
Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell explains how to unjoin a domain to avoid a menacing virus. Ask the Expert
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Fighting through troublesome malware
Some malware are nothing more than a pain in the butt. Others, however, can go as far as to prevent your most critical systems from opening properly. See what Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver has to say about such malware here. Ask the Expert
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Is all spyware dangerous?
Windows security threats expert Kevin Beaver explains the problems with spyware and how to prevent it from infecting your computer. Ask the Expert
- See More: Expert Advice on Patches, alerts and critical updates
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drive-by download
A drive-by download is a program that is automatically downloaded to your computer without your consent or even your knowledge. Unlike a pop-up download, which asks for assent (albeit in a calculated manner likely to lead to a "yes"), a drive-by down... Definition
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Critical patches for IE and Office released
The April 2008 installment of our "What's hot in Windows security" podcast focuses on this month's Microsoft patch release, the potential for new anti-rootkit technology and Windows Vista. Security expert Brien Posey discusses this month's most criti... Podcast
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What's hot in Microsoft Windows security
Keep up with the latest Microsoft patches, Windows network security strategies, Microsoft security best practices and more in our monthly podcast series. Podcasts
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What's hot in Microsoft security: Critical patches
August was a busy month for admins due to the flurry of patches released on Microsoft's Patch Tuesday. In this month's security expert podcast, Kevin Beaver talks about which vulnerabilities he feels are most important, the state of Patch Tuesday and... Podcast
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Guide to patching Windows desktops
Whether you find patching Windows desktops overwhelming or easy enough to do in your sleep, this guide explains the most important steps and patch tools to consider. Guide
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Desktop patch management software features: A checklist
Desktop patch management is a critical function, but the amount of patch management software can be overwhelming. Focus on the most important patch management software features. Tip
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Windows Intune helps strapped IT departments with desktop management
Small IT departments say it's better late than never for Windows Intune -- a cloud-based desktop management app for remote desktop access, patches, antivirus and software updates. News
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Windows desktop maintenance checklist for the holidays
With the holiday season upon us, IT pros may have some extra time on their hands. Here are a few Windows desktop maintenance items to take care of while the office is mostly empty. Tip
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Exposing Windows vulnerabilities by using Metasploit
Rather than wait for a malicious user to infiltrate your system, find out how to use Metasploit to expose the missing patches in time to protect your desktops. Tip
-
Microsoft to roll out 'critical' patches for Windows and IE
Microsoft delivered updates to patch 22 vulnerabilities across several of its core products, including Windows Server 2008, Internet Explorer and the .Net Framework. News
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Why aren't you using Metasploit to expose Windows vulnerabilities?
Many enterprise IT shops run vulnerability scans, pronounce systems at risk and leave it at that. Metasploit can help you find Windows flaws and demonstrate the value of security. Tip
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Patch management guide for Windows desktops
Routinely patching your Windows desktops is a necessary evil -- but patch management can be overwhelming. Get a grasp on the process with this learning guide. Learning Guide
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Should you use third-party patching tools to keep Windows 7 secure?
Don't assume that Microsoft's security updates will keep your Windows 7 desktops safe. Third-party patching products may be a better option. Tip
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Microsoft drops a holiday bomb on December's Patch Tuesday
Microsoft is ending the year with a bang. It released 17 security bulletins this Patch Tuesday -- the largest number ever. Article
- See More: All on Patches, alerts and critical updates
About Patches, alerts and critical updates
An understanding of Windows patch management best practices are vital to an IT admin who wants to keep his or her desktop machines up to date and protected from the latest security flaws. Learn about tools that can help you manage Windows patches, read tips about automating the patch management process and how to keep your organization protected against critical flaws, vulnerabilities and zero-day threats.