DIY Service Pack For Windows 2000/XP/2003

Karsten Violka writes "Looking for manageable Windows updates even without an internet connection? Heise's script collection Offline Update 3.0 downloads the entire body of fresh updates for Windows 2000, XP, or Server 2003 from Microsoft's servers in one fell swoop and then uses them to create ISO-Images for CD or DVD. Included is an intelligent installer script that allows you to update as many PCs as desired." Sounds like a great idea, given the danger of putting an unpatched PC on the Internet to download security updates.

Comments

Re:Well Einstein

[joe 155]

"The probability that an unpatched PC behind a firewall will get "hacked" in the moment while you are downloading it is what... 0,2?"

I would say your second guess of 2 is closer than your first of 0... shall we split the difference and agree at 1?

Re:Well Einstein

[Klaidas]

Well, the safest thing to do it to simply turn the computer off, remove the CPU, dig it in the yard and lock the rest of the computer in a safe.
Although, script kiddies might still be trying to infect it...

Re:Does MS offer this

[plover]

This site should be "within the limits" of that TOS simply because they don't provide the software. He just provides a tool which you can use to download it from the official Microsoft site, and the TOS doesn't say anything about how you download them, just where you download them from.

Autopatcher, on the other hand, provides the actual software, which is explicitly prohibited by the TOS you mentioned. He has this hilarious line in his FAQ:

Q: Is AutoPatcher legal?
A: Yes, nwraptor once spoke to a Microsoft employee and apparently they know about us but dont care what we do! Now that's legal advice you can hang your hat on!

Re:Well Einstein

[IdolizingStewie]

Your average interface-jockey can certainly plug the thing into the cable modem, and plug his computers into the lan side.

I want your users. I lost internet access three times last year because some dumbass down the hall plugged his router in backwards and was trying to NAT the whole damn building.