Windows in the Enterprise: Protecting your network this cold and flu season

[Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum]

Title: Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum

October 14, 2004 Published by  TechTarget Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum Issue Sponsored By:   > Argent -- The Systems Management Experts   Measuring the ROI of Systems Management Software A leading analyst firm states that "Argent delivers what a growing number of enterprises need today: flawless management of Windows, UNIX, and application servers; low total cost of ownership; flexible configuration; scalable architecture; modular products; positive ROI; and outstanding customer support. Every enterprise IT department wants value without sacrificing performance, and that describes Argent's value proposition." Click here to read this ROI Paper.   Protecting your network this cold and flu season [ by Travis Davis, contributor, myITforum.com ] Well, the cold and flu season is almost upon us. What have you done to protect your network? Have you proactively deployed the required medicine (patches)? If not, it is never too late to protect the network by following these basic steps. Install a patch management solution in a test environment. Test the installation in a lab environment against a subset of our production machines. Determine if the solution meets your needs. If it doesn't, get another. If it meets your needs, deploy to production within a pilot. If the pilot is successful, continue the deployment throughout your network. Continually deploy patches after testing. Don't get caught up in deploying a patch management solution and not keeping on top of the patches. With this easy prescription, you can and will make it through this cold and flu season. The type of cold and flu your network gets cannot be cured with chick soap. It takes effort and planning, but the rewards are priceless. Rebuilding a computer infected with a virus = $$$$ Patch management solution = $$$$ Administrating the solution = $$$$ Watching your admin buddies sweat when a new virus hits = Priceless. This article first appeared in myITforum, the premier online destination for IT professionals responsible for managing their corporations' Microsoft Windows systems. The centerpiece of myITforum.com is a collection of member forums where IT professionals actively exchange technical tips, share their expertise, and download utilities that help them better manage their Windows environments, specifically Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS). It is part of the TechTarget network of Web sites. To register for the site and sign up for the myITforum daily newsletter, click here ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Travis Davis is the owner of NStride Consulting, a firm which specializes in all facets of systems management. He has over nine years of experience in technology deployment, integration and management. Travis has held positions at Altiris, Microsoft Consulting Services and EDS, and is also a MCSE, MCT, CNA, and CTT+. MORE INFO:  >  PM FAQ: The three steps to computer security  >  Beginners Guide to Enterprise Patch Management  >  Streamlining Office Patch Deployment with the DSUW  >  Software Update Services adventure Contact Us Sales For sales inquiries, please contact us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Editorial For feedback about any of our articles or to send us your article ideas, please contact us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Free E-Newsletters! Select e-newsletters you would like to receive via e-mail! SearchWin2000: Certification Tip SearchWin2000: Administrator Tips Not a Member? We'll activate your membership with your subscription. ABOUT THIS E-NEWSLETTER This e-newsletter is published by TechTarget, the most targeted IT media and events company. Copyright 2004 TechTarget. All rights reserved. To unsubscribe from "Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum": Go to unsubscribe: http://searchTechTarget.techtarget.com/u?cid=494180&lid=430805&track=NL-36 Please note, unsubscribe requests may take up to 24 hours to process; you may receive additional mailings during that time. A confirmation e-mail will be sent when your request has been successfully processed. Contact Us: TechTarget Member Services 117 Kendrick Street, Suite 800 Needham, MA 02494