Is there any way other than manually downloading windows updates and installing them on every computer, rather than 3 comps chewing 3x the MB's? Like checking for updates on a local comp that already has d/l the files?

a local proxy might help you there - parabol has an article about it here: http://www.ausgamers.com/forums/general/thread.php/2638836

apart from that the only way I'm aware of is running a WSUS server

there's addons to noob-friendly *nix boxen such as IP Cop and Smoothwall if you're keen to learn to set one up that'll do the job.

like anything, it needs updating over time as MS gets wise to users haxoring their way past 'The Microsoft Way'.

if that's all too hard, get a bigger download cap

last edited by koopz at 01:11:30 27/Feb/09

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx

tada

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) enables information technology administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to computers running the Windows operating system. By using WSUS, administrators can fully manage the distribution of updates that are released through Microsoft Update to computers in their network.

Edited to add in quote.

Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) enables information technology administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to computers running the Windows operating system. By using WSUS, administrators can fully manage the distribution of updates that are released through Microsoft Update to computers in their network.

Thats a windows package you can only deploy to windows server. There is no way you can use this to update the three client PC's unless... you plan to install a windows server machine for these boxes to hang off as well...

It is called installing a Slipstreamed copy of Win Xp.

Look Here for more details.

The basic idea is that you download a free utility that lets you make a new bootable win XP install CD with all the latestest updates included.

Only chumps install win XP and update from scratch.

asif anyones going to format three computers every time a windows update comes out toll ;)

scuzzy, only chumps don't.

Autopatcher, google it.

Only chumps install win XP and update from scratch.

Really? Call me a chump but I find it much easier to just install off the latest Win Cd I have (has been SP2 for ages) then just let the updates run themselves. Also do this for work....haven't created a new SOE image for about a year.

You don't even need to think about the updates...just let the computer be restarted whenever it normally would be. The only problem I can see is possible security flaw if you just leave the computer to be restarted and continue updates as they please.....but I've done this with hundreds of computers and never had an issue with a virus/exploit on a fresh PC.

I say the person who constantly makes new Windows CDs for every new update is the chump! And God forbid trying to do this in a work environment making a new image everytime an update is released. If you're just talking about for each Service Pack then this is OK and rather un-chumpish.

WSUS ftw. I run server 2003 and wsus in a VM to update my 5 PCs at home, works a treat.

Autopatcher, google it.