WSUS: Windows updates with no activation required

04 Nov 2005

A little birdy told me that using WSUS means you don’t need to have activated (i.e. legit) versions of Windows or other Microsoft products. I’ve had instances where, on reinstalling Windows XP (slipstreamed SP2), over-the-net activation wouldn’t work at all and I didn’t get a chance to phone activate for about three weeks. Wasn’t a huge problem because of course IE wasn’t the default browser and I refuse to let people install MSN Messenger (if they’re using Windows, they have to use the no-frills, relatively secure and quick Windows Messenger!), and there was anti-virus stuff installed, but that’s a while to be running unpatched Windows.

In a small bus environment, WSUS means you can avoid potential headaches like that. In a paranoid reluctant-MS-user environment, it means you can (illegally) crack your (legally purchased) operating system, and enjoy updates without having to hand out your details on a platter. Or, alternatively, if you’re a comprehensive Microsoft pirate from the server to the desktop, you can take further advantage of their hospitality by enjoying the fine update services they have to offer. ;-)

Hey, if you’re going to steal software at least do it well!

More generally speaking, WSUS just looks like a cool tool. You download once, apply many, and manage what patches do/don’t get installed from a central location.

Disclaimer: I haven’t tried WSUS, this is just second-hand. We only use appropriately licensed Microsoft products here. I’m publishing this because being subversive is fun, if a little childish, and this could conceivably (legitimately or otherwise) be of use to someone.