As if WSUS Admins Don't Have Enough to Deal with...
Now comes word from Microsoft that Windows Search 4.0 (formerly Windows Desktop Search) is being released via Automatic Updates. The odd thing is that it will be labeled "optional" for XP clients, while Vista clients will see it labeled as "recommended". I still find it ironic (and stupid) that "Root Certificates Update" is "recommended" and not marked with higher importance. Oh well. This "update" is tagged 940157, and is available for manual download now, if you want it that badly.
So, part of what makes this all fun, is not only the impact it might have on your desktops, but the subtle way that Microsoft has already published a KB article on how to block automatic installation of this update (read 953959). Which tells me this is nothing more than a shot firing across the bow of Google to head them off. Same with how IE was maneuvered in front of Netscape years ago.
As an aside - In case you're wondering where I've been. I'm still getting situated at the new job. To add to this, they picked a dozen of us to attend an MCSA boot camp course to help get through the 4 exams for MCSA 2003 certification. It's grueling and intense. Long hours and few breaks. However, this is one of the luckiest opportunities I've had this year. So far, I've passed three: 70-270 (XP), 70-290 (WS03) and 70-620 (Vista). The last one to go is 70-291, the dreaded Infrastructure exam. All covering stuff that I suffered through back in college, and drank into oblivion almost immediately after passing the finals. Just goes to show you can never escape TCP/IP. Anyhow, once I get through this last one (or the retake, if I fail it, ugh!) I will hopefully have a little more time to post to this blog.