Windows Patches The Computer Group has been using a program named Shavlik HfNetChkPro for the past 2 years to deploy Windows Updates to all computers on the CVM network.  This software has greatly reduced the threat of attacks and viruses.  On April 1st we received a new version of this software which will allow us to deploy these patches without causing a major inconvenience to our users.  Below is a listing of what you will see on your desktop when patches are being deployed as well as the patching schedule we will follow.  If you have questions or concerns please contact the Computer Group at 844-3713. Schedule Computers will be patched on Mondays and Tuesdays at 12:15pm. Machines missing patches will be rebooted at 2am. In case of emergencies patches may be deployed outside of these times but the Computer Group will send out an email to everyone at the Vet School before this is done.  We will try to give as much time as possible before disrupting services. Patching Process 1.       All machines are scanned on Monday and Tuesday mornings between the hours of 8am and 10am. 2.       This scan creates a list of all machines currently missing patches on the CVM network. 3.       Machines missing patches are scheduled to install missing patches at 12:15pm. 4.       At 12:15pm patches are installed on all client machines missing patches.  During this process the machines may act slower than normal.  This process usually takes between 10-20 minutes depending on the number of patches missing. 5.       At 2am the machines that have been patched are triggered to reboot if it hasn't already been rebooted by an end user.  If there is still a user logged onto the machine a dialog box will appear on screen.  You will initially be given 5 minutes to save any open files before the reboot occurs.  If you need more time you can extent this countdown in 15 minute increments for a maximum time of 30 minutes.  After time expires the machine will reboot.  If you would prefer to reboot immediately you can do so by clicking the "Shutdown" button at the bottom of the box.     How to Patch Your Own Computer If you would prefer to patch your computer personally you can do so by visiting the Microsoft Windows Update site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.  This site will scan your computer and prompt you to install any missing updates.  Most updates on this site will require a reboot so make sure you visit this site when you have time to do a reboot.   The software used by the Computer Group will only patch computers missing patches.  If your machine is kept up to date manually then it will be bypassed by the software.