11.18.2004

Windows Update Services Beta 2

Earlier this week Microsoft released Windows Update Services (WUS) Beta 2 to customers and private testers. WUS is Microsoft's second-generation security patch distribution software. Microsoft anticipates a spring 2005 release for the final version of WUS.

The only difference between the private and public WUS betas is the fact that private beta testers have a direct line of communications with WUS developers at Microsoft. Other than that, the code is identical. You can register to download WUS Beta 2 at this Microsoft web site.

Here are some early screen shots from my dev/test lab (a.k.a. my home network). Click each image for a full-size screen shot. Machine names have been hidden to protect the innocent.

Screen Shot 1: WUS Administration Home Page


Screen Shot 2: WUS Update Catalog


Screen Shot 3: Example Status Report


Screen Shot 4: Detailed Computer Status