Windows 7 updates

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rudirautenbach

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Hi all,

This weekend I need to install Windows 7 on three PC's. Now I've been running W7 RC1 since it became available, and my PC has downloaded several updates to the OS since.

I obviously want to minimise bandwidth wastage, allowing 3 PC's to download the same updates.

Does anyone know whether the updates are available as standalone downloads/installation files somewhere from MS or elsewhere?

Thanks to all for your time.

Rudi
 
No clue about where to get the updates from. I do remember reading that some of those updates are just dummy updates to test the updating service. So either way, you are bound to be wasting bandwidth on testing for Microsoft. Then again, that is why one installs Beta or RC software, to help the company test stuff like that :p
 
OK, the problem I have actually stretches further than just Windows 7 updates. I also run a Vista machine and an XP machine (connected occassionally) that needs to retrieve updates.

Now I thought of solving my problem this way, and was hoping you esteemed fellows could tell me if I'm crazy, if it should work or whether there is an easier way.

On machine 1, run Windows 7 and set up a virtual machine to run Server 2003/2008. On the virtual server, run WSUS x64,. Point the registries of other machines on the network to this virtual server for retrieval of updates.

I just bought another 5Gb of iburst bandwidth (updates are killing me...) but I want them so looking for a more elegant way of managing updates.

Help please...

Rudi
 
rudirautenbach said:
How do I set that up for a small home LAN with about 5 PC's?
Click to expand...

I had and idea, never said anything about a solution :D

Never done it before but if I did I would go the Linux route as it's what I know.

You would be much better off (bandwidth wise) if you ran the same OS on all your computers. Can you not convert the XP & Vista ones to Win7?
 
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rudirautenbach said:
I just bought another 5Gb of iburst bandwidth (updates are killing me...) but I want them so looking for a more elegant way of managing updates.
Click to expand...

The method I use is a bit labor intensive but here goes anyway.

  • Change your automatic update settings to "Automatically notify you when updates are available but don't download and install them.". (This can be done from the Control panel)
  • Goto http://download.microsoft.com
  • Download standalone copies of all the updates you need.
  • install updates on required machines.

It's a pain in the arse in the beginning, but once you've got a fully updated machine you normally only need a couple of updates every month.

P.S. Microsoft normally releases new updates on the first Tuesday of every month.
 
ponder said:
I had and idea, never said anything about a solution :D

Never done it before but if I did I would go the Linux route as it's what I know.

You would be much better off (bandwidth wise) if you ran the same OS on all your computers. Can you not convert the XP & Vista ones to Win7?
Click to expand...

Ponder, I believe that is going to be the best idea, running W7 on all machines.

Will run 2008 Server in Virtual Mode with WSUS, to manage the W7 and Office 2007 updates, deploying to the W7 machines.

LEts see will keep posting over the weekend!

R
 
I might have a easy solution for you, sit tight while I do a bit of searching.

Edit:

Ok, you already have Windows Server 2008 which by default comes with WSUS and that there is your ticket. Let the server distribute the updates to your desktops. Download once, distribute many times.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx
 
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Sent you an email. Thanks for the advice!

For the benefit of all, I have both Windows Virtual PC and VMWare. I would have preferred WVPC but it would not allow me to install the x64 version of Windows Server 2008.

I want to use all my machines on the 64 bit platform, is it not logical to use WS2008 x64 with x64 machines on the network?

I have VMWare too, maybe that would allow me to install WS2008 x64.

Thoughts please.

Rudi
 
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OK that makes the choice simple.

I will reinstall W7 64 bit for a clean installation, then VMWare Server and then run Server 2008 x64 in virtual mode.

Lets try & see...

Rudi
 
ponder said:
As far as I know no VM currently has support for 3D acceleration so it's not an option. This is a feature I'm desperately waiting for
Click to expand...

I would not say that! I have seen a vid a few months back where Kingston build an uber machine and they were running Crysis on VMWare Had something to do with the RAM I think 128 Gig on a single pc.
 
Gixxa said:
I would not say that! I have seen a vid a few months back where Kingston build an uber machine and they were running Crysis on VMWare Had something to do with the RAM I think 128 Gig on a single pc.
Click to expand...

The beta of VirtualBox 3.0 is experimenting with 3D acceleration and that doesn't look like it needs a laptop HDD amount of RAM.
 
last time i checked VMWare Workstation emulates a pixel shader 2 graphics card, but i have run red alert 3 on it....
 
Guys if your are going to comment on 3DX accelaration please post official links, I will forever be indebted to you.
 
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