What is Patch Management?
Patch management is the regular updating and patching of Operating Systems and applications. Keeping software up to date is important to protect users and their data.
How are Patches Delivered?
Computers at Carleton are automatically patched in a number of ways:
1) Windows Software Update Service (WSUS)
Windows computers are configured to receive Microsoft updates from the WSUS server on campus. This server gets Windows operating system patches, as well as patches for Internet Explorer, Office, and other Windows applications from Microsoft. Windows computers check for new updates at least once a day, and they usually find new updates to apply about twice a month, soon after the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
2) McAfee VirusScan (Windows 7 only)
McAfee VirusScan software is set to automatically retrieve updates at least once a day, usually over the noon hour. Windows computers check for updates and policies from the Carleton McAfee ePO server every 10 minutes.
3) K1000 (KBOX) Patch Management
The K1000 is only for Carleton-owned computers.
You must be ON CAMPUS or connected via the VPN to log into the K1000, as described below.
Please contact the ITS HelpDesk if you would like help using the K1000.
You can reach them at x 5999 or by email at: helpdesk@carleton.edu
The K1000 receives patches from Lumension , a security company. These patches are then delivered to campus computers. Patches in the K1000 are security related patches only. Feature related patches and upgrades are not available from K1000 patch management. K1000 Patch Management is covered in detail here.
Manual Updates Within Applications
Most applications on campus computers have automatic update checking turned on. Verify automatic update checking is enabled for Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Firefox, Google Chrome, Java, and Office for the Mac or contact the ITS HelpDesk (x5999).
What About Exceptions?
If there is a technical reason that your software cannot be updated, or a custom schedule is needed, contact ITS HelpDesk (x5999).