Welcome to my tutorial for the Windows Server Update Services Part 1: Introduction
Introduction
What is WSUS?
The Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a role for the Windows Server, which allows organizations to centrally manage updates for Windows clients & servers and Microsoft products installed on them.
How does it work?
WSUS replaces the Microsoft servers for updating. It will download and store updates centrally, so that your organization does not have to download each update for each client individually. Additionally your organization can approve updates for individual groups of clients or do not approve an update at all. Also it offers reporting functionalities so that you know which client has missing updates and which update has not been installed everywhere.
How much does WSUS cost
The WSUS role is included in Windows server operating system for free (As long as you have licensed your server).
Is WSUS the right thing for my organization?
Generally WSUS is pretty easy to install it gives you additional control over your updates plus reporting functionalities about updates. It is a simple construction which means that it is easy learn, but it is also limited in its capabilities. Also it can handle updates for Microsoft products only. So it is not possible to update other browsers, pdf viewers or other software.
My recommendation is: If you don’t have a special software deployment solution, which handles updates, start using WSUS. No matter if you have 5, 50, 500 or 5000 clients, it can do it. It is limited in some aspects, but it is a good start and it is definitely better than having no update solution.