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Microsoft Windows Update CD released to beta Testers

Posted by Mr magoo on 15 November 2003 - 12:44 · 60 comments & 15313 views

Neowin has learned of a new beta released by Microsoft to its Windows Update Beta testers. The beta involves downloading an ISO of Microsoft's new "Windows Security Update CD". The CD, at 300 meg, contains most of Microsofts recent security patchs for Windows 2000 / XP users, although it is uncertain as to whether this CD is useful for Win 9x users. Specific to XP the CD has on it Service Pack 1 (a), Direct X 9, and Windows Media Player 9.

Microsoft have also included a useful tool on the CD called Windows Security advisor. In some ways, its sort of a trimmed down version of Microsoft Base Line Security Advisor (aimed more at Admins, find it here). The program essentially turns on automatic updating which for joe average this is undoubtedly a good thing, and also enables the firewall built into Windows XP. Again, undoubtedly a good thing for all users.

This CD is Microsoft taking an excellent step in the right direction. An easy to distribute, easy to use, tool, which could make a serious start on sorting out Microsoft's security issues. This kind of CD could easily be shiped with new PC's, getting them up to date many months after XP or the most recent Service Pack was launched. Aswell, for users on a sluggish connection this might be the end of that excuse for not updating.

However, some of the screenshot's below reveal a depressing point : The CD does contain "Winter 2004" in the top right hand side of the screen; is this a mistake? If so, a pretty big one! Could it really take Microsoft a whole year to deploy this? One hopes not.Update: Winter arguably includes Jan / Feb next year, which might be a more realistic release date. Take a peek at it below.

Screenshot: End page, Welcome page, Update page, Windows Security Advisor Screen

View: Betaplace (for testers)

View: Microsoft.com

About This CD
This CD contains a collection of updates for Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows Millennium, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. It is recommended that you install the service packs and updates offered for your operating system. You can improve your computer’s security and resolve known computer issues by running this CD. When you’re done, visit Windows Update to complete the process.

In addition to the updates, this CD also includes the Windows Security Advisor tool for Windows XP. This tool will help you configure your Internet Connection Firewall and turn on Automatic Updates.

Installing the Updates
This CD is detecting the operating system that is installed on your computer in order to offer you the correct set of updates. It is also detecting whether you have the latest service pack and security updates installed. If you do not have these installed they will be offered to you. If they are already installed on your system the item will indicate that it is already installed and you will not be able to select it.

After you complete installation of each update you may be asked to reboot your machine before proceeding with installation of the next component. Some computers will re-launch the CD after the reboot. If your computer does not automatically launch the CD after you have rebooted your machine you will need to insert the CD again to continue installing the next applicable update, or navigate to your CD-Rom drive and double-click on “launch.hta.”

After the Updates are installed
Once you have installed all of the updates you will need to return to the CD and all of the updates should indicate that they have been installed. Click the “continue” button to get more security information, including ways to bring your computer up-to-date with the latest security patches.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT OPTIONS
Product Name: Windows Security Update CD

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(1 reply) #1 Posted by DJ Prem on 15 Nov 2003 - 12:54: think they heard of AutoPatcher by Jason, smells like something burning

(7 replies) #2 Posted by blowdart on 15 Nov 2003 - 13:33

QUOTE

...also enables the firewall built into Windows XP. Again, undoubtedly a good thing for all users.

Really? Lets see. If XP's firewall gets turned on on my main machine then ... internal networking stops, no more file shares. Local web server stops, no more asp.net development, no more connecting to sql from the live servers to pull the dev schemas off. Mail retrieval will slow because it closes the identd ports.

Crappy software firewalls are NOT a good thing for all users.

#2.1 Posted by AquaDex on 15 Nov 2003 - 13:58: if you are one of those geeky developer that has all the bells and whistles you mentioned, believe me, you won't be the ones needing that Microsoft Base Line Security Advisor nor Internet Connection Firewall

#2.2 Posted by JaggedFlame on 15 Nov 2003 - 14:41: It's a crappy software firewall because you're too lazy to configure it?

#2.3 Posted by SomeDork on 15 Nov 2003 - 19:29: ICF is part of the networking stack, which inherently makes it running at network speed. So, you must be either talking about the firewall speed (which would be synonymous with talking about the networking speed in XP ... hadn't heard any arguments there about efficiency) or the features.

Memory wise, I compared all the free or shareware firewall products. ICF is easily the memory use winner.

Function wise, I compared all the products from above. ICF is the clear loser in trojan or application protection. It also is weak in notification and logging support, and "weak" would probably be a nice way of putting it...

However, the sheer simplicity of the product can't be compared. It's easily argued that the function of an antivirus product easily outweighs the complication of two-way firewall protection. In other words, I don't want to tweak my "verified application list" in any firewall to allow it to make traffic outbound. Personally, I would prefer my system to verify the executable is good... and this is easily accomplished with very robust AV products.

Now I'll admit, this isn't good for everyone. For example, if a trojan isn't detectable by the AV product, it can still make external traffic. This would be caught by two-way firewall products. However, again, this is making a judgement call between simplicity and usability, vs micromanagement.

#2.4 Posted by mipra on 16 Nov 2003 - 08:13: I agree, Microsoft should stop forcing their customers to put on their firewall. It sucks

#2.5 Posted by y_notm on 16 Nov 2003 - 19:47: no one is forcing you to turn on the firewall. this CD is optional, it doesn't turn on the firewall as soon as put in the CD, and you have to run a tool that asks you if you want to turn it on. XPSP2 enables the firewall by default, but can be turned off with a few mouse clicks.

Everyone bitches about how insecure MS products are, but as soon as they try to lock them down and make them more secure everyone bitches about that. Its a lose lose situation for Microsoft, because, apparently, all people like to do is bitch

#2.6 Posted by ingrampj on 16 Nov 2003 - 21:55: Good Words...Microsoft are actually the reason that the complainers are actually able to complain, they also have to try and be "All Things to All People" which by the very nature of computing is an impossible task...but somebody please give them 10 out of 10 for at least trying...

#2.7 Posted by snippet1 on 17 Nov 2003 - 06:03: Gives you a button...
Still a bit misleading, tho.

Last edited by 24398 on 17 Nov 2003 - 06:18

(2 replies) #3 Posted by mh508 on 15 Nov 2003 - 13:36: this is Microsoft AutoPatcher? hahaha

/Raptor

(1 reply) #4 Posted by dblair on 15 Nov 2003 - 13:44: Guys... Winter 2004 is January/February... not a year from now.

(3 replies) #5 Posted by FISKER_Q on 15 Nov 2003 - 13:53: Can you use it to slipstream onto a windows cd/dvd?

I'm also a tester but of course i got to delete the document with my login details. So i've requested my password again.

(1 reply) #6 Posted by Mister Lamar on 15 Nov 2003 - 14:18: I would like to get a copy of this, so when I do a clean install.

anyway it works I still like microsoft

#7 Posted by CheeseCow on 15 Nov 2003 - 14:34: This is a step in the direction of more secure computing for Windows users, but I really don't think that turning on the Firewall by default is a great idea. A lot of my friends have had it turned on by the network wizard found in XP, and they have had problems with Messenger and other networking activities.

(2 replies) #8 Posted by cybertlc on 15 Nov 2003 - 15:33: This isn't even anything new. I ran the CD and it didn't contain ONE NEW ITEM. It's nothing to do with SP2......just a bunch of crap for SP1 that they make sure you have installed. It just tells you that you should turn on the firewall, and checks to make sure you have the latest updates. If you run Windows Update, then you have everything. Don't see the point in this disc....

#9 Posted by MitchShrader on 15 Nov 2003 - 16:45: The idea is good as a distro mechanism. and very nice as a tech tool when forced to do an onsite reinstall during working hours (with minimal time & bandwidth available). Kudos for FINALLY coming up with a simple way to keep em in a pile and fairly current.. now if they'd just start SHIPPING EM SLIPSTREAMED.. why the HELL should a user be forced to update ANYthing more'n a month or two old? why cantcha get a (pay shipping, of course) (nearly) FREE CD of 'slipstreamed latest updated OS version' with ANY legit (activated) license # and a phone call? bleh. Not like they would go broke sellin 35c blanks for 6$..

#10 Posted by bangbang023 on 15 Nov 2003 - 16:53: Well it was useless for me since I was already all up to date, but hey it's a nice idea by MS.

(2 replies) #11 Posted by Ev1lg0at on 15 Nov 2003 - 17:18: errr, didnt bill gates predict that by 2006 the network speed would be at least 1gb fast?

#12 Posted by cybertlc on 15 Nov 2003 - 18:08: So what, they'd have to send a CD to the 56K people? Cuz downloading a 300MB ISO for a 56k person isn't going to help anything! And I really can't see the common user paying to get an update CD.

(5 replies) #13 Posted by Bitz on 15 Nov 2003 - 18:29: It's a way that users who have a high speed connection through a friend or their employee can build a cdrom to keep computer safe. People helping other people you know.

And Mr. Magoo should realize that as a beta tester he has signed an NDA agreement with Microsoft and be aware that he has now violated this agreement.

Magoo is definitely "unprofessional" in his/her/their attitude toward this trust that he/she/they have been given.

#14 Posted by SidVicious on 15 Nov 2003 - 19:32: Nice CD...very useful.

#15 Posted by daveoc64 on 15 Nov 2003 - 20:39: I doubt MS intend to make people download an ISO. It is only an ISO at the moment because they haven't made any CDs and consider it important to get the disc working before they package it and ship it off.

(1 reply) #16 Posted by cybertlc on 15 Nov 2003 - 20:50: So which is it. You guys think MS will send update CDs out.....or make users download them? That wouldn't solve any 56k problems that someone claimed they were going for.

#17 Posted by xStainDx on 15 Nov 2003 - 21:39

QUOTE

However, some of the screenshot's below reveal a depressing point : The CD does contain "Winter 2004" in the top right hand side of the screen; is this a mistake? If so, a pretty big one! Could it really take Microsoft a whole year to deploy this? One hopes not.Update: Winter arguably includes Jan / Feb next year, which might be a more realistic release date. Take a peek at it below.

Who would think it would take until december of 2004 after which XP SP2 would have already been released 6 months prior which would include all these modifications already.

As stated it'll be around January or February.

#18 Posted by cybertlc on 15 Nov 2003 - 22:12: Well, there is both a winter 2004 at the BEGINNING and END of the year. January is still winter, 2004. It depends on how they look at it.

(3 replies) #19 Posted by dblair on 15 Nov 2003 - 23:53: Cybertlc, in the US, Winter is considered the very beginning of the calendar year, IME (and the very, very tail end, for that matter.) Keep in mind, Winter begins 12/22 in the northern hemisphere.

(1 reply) #20 Posted by SiXXGuNNZ on 16 Nov 2003 - 02:01: SVCPACK ownz you all

AP is cool for ppl who are a little slow, but any half decent nerd should just make their own slipstreamed hotfixes svcpack cd

(3 replies) #21 Posted by Shaahin on 16 Nov 2003 - 23:13: Windows update on a CD?? Dear Bill, I guess you havn't noticed that 40 GB drives won't grow on trees.

(1 reply) #22 Posted by altecxp on 17 Nov 2003 - 04:17: my pc after a fresh install still needs:

(4 replies) #23 Posted by carlito on 17 Nov 2003 - 04:52: umm ok from that cd we have:
[QUOTE]
function start() {
//check if the date is past 10/1/04 and direct them to microsoft.com/protect
var theDate = new Date();
var yr = theDate.getYear();
var mo = theDate.getMonth()+1;
if (theDate.getYear() > "2004" || ((theDate.getMonth()+1) >= "10" && theDate.getDate() > "1" && theDate.getYear() == "2004")
{
ControlExpired.style.display="block";
initialdiv.style.display="none";
}
else
{
init();
}
}[/QUOTE]

someone who can read javascript tell me what's significant about the 10th of jan 2004 from taht script

[1]

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