 Windows Update automates patching through the Internet Explorer web browser. This is a screenshot of Windows Update version 5. Windows Update is a web-based software update service for Microsoft Windows operating systems.
It offers a one-stop location for downloading critical system component updates, service packs, security fixes/patches and free upgrades to selected Windows components. Additionally, it automatically detects your hardware and provides driver updates when available, and can offer beta versions of some Microsoft programs.
Most new fixes and updates go "live" on the Windows Update website very soon after they are released. Alternatively, fixes and updates can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website.
The Windows Update website requires Internet Explorer, as it needs to access the system files and functions. Also, it is coded using the Microsoft programming language VBScript and JScript.
In late 2004, Microsoft released Windows Update 5 for Windows XP, which includes Service Pack 2 and several major changes to the update application. The Windows Update 6 Beta program is expected to begin in February 2005.
Users without broadband access can order a CD of XP Service Pack 2 from the Microsoft website; there is no charge even for shipping, and the packaging encourages sharing the CD with other users of Windows XP. After installing SP2, one should then go to the Microsoft website to check for newer updates—several have been released since SP2.
History
Windows Update site was first introduced with launch of Windows 98. Since then the site has gone though several revisions. In 2005, Microsoft plans to introduce a "Windows Update Service" that delivers updates for supported OSs, plus Office, Exchange and SQL Server. To keep up to date with Windows Update, see the WUS Wiki at http://wus.editme.com. There is a beta test going on at present (see the Wiki for details, including the active newsgroups).
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