Re: patching

From: Rich (Rich_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 03/09/05 

Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 14:09:05 -0800

Hello Mike,

thanks for the answer. I am getting flack for wanting to test Service Packs
before they go into production.

Rich

"Mike Epprecht (SQL MVP)" wrote:

> Hi
>
> A SP is a fully end to end tested release that implements fixes and
> enhancements to the base product. SP's are cumulative (then contain all
> prior SP's fixes plus more).
>
> A Security patch is a hotfix that addresses high priority fixes that if not
> applied, could lead to compromised security.
>
> A Hotfix is an update, issued to fix a specific problem that somebody had
> encountered and Microsoft needs to fix as it could affect other users. A
> Hotfix has limited support and does not have the massive amount of
> regression testing as a Service Pack would as it is not possible in the
> short time frames needed.
>
> NEVER get a hotfix/SP/Security pack from any other source than Microsoft.
> Microsoft never e-mails files either. There is always a link to their site
> from where you can download it. You never know who has tampered with the
> files if you don't get them yourself from MS.
>
> With any release, always put it on test servers before production ones.
> Functionality can change or behavior you were used to could be altered in a
> way that your applications were not expecting.
>
> www.microsoft.com/sql
> www.microsoft.com/security
>
> Regards
> --------------------------------
> Mike Epprecht, Microsoft SQL Server MVP
> Zurich, Switzerland
>
> IM: mike@epprecht.net
>
> MVP Program: http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
>
> Blog: http://www.msmvps.com/epprecht/
>
> "Rich" <Rich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:FECD7708-9C36-4810-9EF8-D011ADB6B021@microsoft.com...
> > What is the differnce between a Service Pack and Security Patches that
> come
> > out over time? What about Hot Fixes? Is Microsoft the only sources of
> > patches? Should I test the patch on a demo server before I place it in
> > production or should I just trust Microsoft?
>
>
>

Relevant Pages

  • Re: blue screen of death please help me:(
    ... Service Packs, like Microsoft Calls it, or service release in other vendor's ... fixes", that is, a small patch that solves a specific well known issue. ... first release, security improvement etc, in what MSFT calls "Service Pack". ... I found some interesting information that led me to believe SP1 ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.mediacenter)
  • Re: patching
    ... prior SP's fixes plus more). ... A Security patch is a hotfix that addresses high priority fixes that if not ... NEVER get a hotfix/SP/Security pack from any other source than Microsoft. ... always put it on test servers before production ones. ...
    (microsoft.public.sqlserver.security)
  • RE: Windows Update
    ... Service Pack 2 security bugs and that fixes were available on Microsoft's ... What gives Microsoft? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsupdate)
  • Re: "Safely remove hardware" icon is missinbg
    ... I am very hesitant to install that Service Pack ... Keep in mind that this is NOT an approved Microsoft product although it ... is made up of Microsoft updates and fixes. ... Do you think Service Pack 5 will mess up my computer? ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.new_user)
  • Re: error message
    ... this is the kb article at microsoft. ... Thus try a windows update and see if this fixes it, ... > shut pc down and reboot.they said service pack one has a ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)