RSSMicrosoft Preps Next Windows Update
By Nate Mook | Published January 27, 2005, 2:54 PM
Microsoft is preparing to beta test the next revision of Windows Update dubbed v6, or version 6 of the technology. Testing of Windows Update v5 ended late last year and is now operational for all Windows users. Newsgroups for v6 are expected to open within the coming weeks.
In an e-mail to Windows Update v5 testers, Microsoft beta coordinator Roger Holland introduced himself and said, "I am delighted at the opportunity to work with you on the continuation of improvements to our update processes. Shortly, you will receive the formal announcement about the WU v6 Beta Program."
While Microsoft has remained mum on Windows Update v6 details, the company has hinted the service will eventually be able to update more products than just Windows.
Initial plans for Windows Update version 5 suggested that it would extend to Office, SQL Server and Exchange. However, Microsoft backed away from the expansion before beta testing began and instead focused on improved patching.
Microsoft is now developing a new iteration of Windows Update Services for corporate clients, which covers Windows, Office and Exchange.
note to author of this article. Windows Update V5
only works for users who are using Windows 2000 SP3 or SP4, Windows XP SP1 or SP2 and Windows Server 2003. V4 of Windows Update is the last version supported under Windows 98 & Millennium.
What I like about V5 Windows Update is the ability of 'resuming' interrupted downloads from
the Windows Update site. Just select the update that you were downloading and if you lost your connection while downloading that update, it will pick up right where you left off. wonderful! Any chance V6 of Windows Update will work under Windows 2000 systems?
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|Most likely this isn't to fix bugs, but instead its their attempt to lock out un-authorized copies with this new update. I can't imagine why anyone would want to help Microsoft beta test something like this, its not like you get paid for it, or get anything out of it, except wasted time.
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|i think the eternal optimist might say "an improved product"
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|if you get the authentic Windows, you will benenfit. It's fully justified for MS to curb the growth of piracy
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|Hope they improve the proxy support. I currently can't get WindowsUpdate to do anything more than a scan due to high restrictions on my network.
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|Have you tried using HTTPS? Many network proxies only handle port 80.
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|TC17 is right on the money: Office 2003 & Windows 2k / XP will be locked out if not verified. Big deal, even my grandma knows how to patch an unlicensed copy. Even if the site succeeded in keeping her & other such naughty people out,
there will be other unstoppable alternatives like the BigFix client(which actually downloads & installs quicker than Windows/Office Update), as well as the NLites & Autopatchers of this world... to say nothing of thousands of open ftp sites all over...
MS better watch itself & not lose track of the big picture, not get preoccupied with nonsensical stuff(non-value, non-innovation, non new-market creation & development)-- Google will wind up swallowing it: mark my words-- Google has a slew of innovative things up its sleeve, and it's willing to take on strategic partners-- it's going to be the next giant.
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|The big picture? obviously you guys dont see it. The big picture is that many people buy new PC's and copies of windows that end up being fake licenses. THAT is the problem. Yeah microsoft also wants to make it a pain for people who dont think they should pay, but the goal here is to thwart fake licenses. It will be harder to push out if they cant connect to windows update. People will catch on quicker. People bash microsoft but what about a few of months ago they found thousands of people in the UK (I think) with fake copies of XP... they gave anyone in the UK up until December 31st to turn in their counterfit versions of windows/office for real copies for free
The only people who would b**** are the pirates.. I dont see why u guys think you have a reason to b****
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|Believe it or not, Windows Update by default *ignores* your "Control Panel -> Internet Options" settings!
You must run "proxycfg -u" to import those settings, and you have to re-run it every time you make changes.
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