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Quick Links: | Overview | Schedule |
Overview
What are Third-Party Software Updates?
Third-party software updates refer to updates released by software vendors other than the OS vendor, such as Microsoft. These updates often address security vulnerabilities, fix software bugs, and introduce new features and improvements.
While Microsoft consistently releases updates on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, other software vendors follow varied schedules. Third-party vendors might release patches monthly, every six weeks, annually, or irregularly. Security and bug fixes are typically released as soon as they are developed.
Why is patching important?
Regular patching offers several key advantages:
- Correct Software Issues: Addresses vulnerabilities, bugs, and compatibility problems
- Maintains Software Functionality: Ensures that software remains updated and operates smoothly
- Introduces New Features: Provides enhancements and new functionalities
Update Schedule
How are these updates scheduled at Chico State?
At Chico State, IT Support Services manages and deploys these and other updates with the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.
The Configuration Manager synchronizes its list of updates with third-parties, then downloads and prepares the updates for campus deployment according to the following schedule:
Pilot Group Development
- Updates are available for installation from the Software Center every other Monday by 7 a.m.
- Pilots must install the updates by Wednesday at 5 p.m.
- If any updates require a computer restart to fully apply (most security updates do), a restart is required after a 24-hour grace period
- Pilots are monitored for unexpected negative effects. If issues are found and traced to specific updates, those updates are withheld from production (though this is rare)
Production Group Deployment
- Updates are available for installation from the Software Center every other Monday by 7 a.m.
- Production group must install the updates by Friday at 5 p.m.
- If any updates require a computer restart to fully apply (most security updates do), a restart is required after a 24-hour grace period
Do I have to follow this schedule?
ITSS recommends that you install updates as soon as they become available in the Software Center. To minimize disruption from an enforced restart, consider installing the updates on Wednesday afternoon and restarting your PC before leaving for the day. This way, you can avoid the forced installation on Thursday and the enforced restart on Friday.
Feel free to choose a day and time that best suits your schedule.
Still need help? Contact IT Support Services for further assistance.
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