Not to start a flame war, but from Microsoft's perspective it was pretty
clear why they had to shut down Autopatcher. First, Microsoft is very afraid
that bad guys will modify Windows patches and redistribute them, or
distribute fake patches and other software (for example, a significant
portion of the bootlegged Windows disks sold for pennies on street markets in
the far east have malware pre-installed). Both have happened in the past and
teaching users that they should get their pathes from anyone but Microsoft is
dangerous as it dilutes the "only download patches from sources you trust"
message.
Second, it happens with disturbing frequence, although less so recently,
that patches have to be recalled and modified. By allowing third parties to
redistribute patches Microsoft runs the risk that users will not be given the
updated patches. In the worst case scenario this can result in a number of
users who cannot even install the updated fix. This causes a support
nightmare for Microsoft as they try to sort out what version of the patch is
on the system and why the user does not have the right version.
Historically, this is not the first time this has happened. Several years
ago Microsoft produced and distributed many thousands of copies of the
Security Readiness Kit. The main feature of the first couple of versions was
patches on disk. Eventually, distribution of those versions was halted for
the reasons listed above, and the kit was replaced with one that had only
documentation, and which received a lukewarm reception.
Getting patches on a disk is an extremely common request, is something that
Microsoft has not been able to provide. I, along with many, lament that fact.
Again, I did not wish to stir up the discussion and enter into a huge flame
war about the relative benefits of patches on disk. I just wanted to give
people some context for why Microsoft saw to it that autopatcher was shut
down.
---
Your question may already be answered in Windows Vista Security:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470101555?ie=UTF8&tag=protectyourwi-20
"Malke" wrote:
> Spirit wrote:
> > Try these :
> >
> > http://www.autopatcher.com/whatsautopatcher
> >
> > Download ALL Updates at once - many Windows versions
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com:80/downloa...1CA6-4632-BAEF-E7C0750ED02E&sortCriteria=date
> >
> > Vista Updates Sorted by Release Dates
> >
> > http://test.catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=vista
> >
> > Microsoft Vista Update Catalog
>
> Sadly, Autopatcher has had to close down. The OP will need to use MS
> Windows Update or Windows Catalogue.
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
> 