What is Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), also called Windows Update Services (WUS), is a free add-on for managing patches and updates to the Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2000, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

Aimed mainly at small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), WSUS is intermediate between the simpler Windows Update for individual computer users and the more robust Systems Management Server (SMS) for large enterprises.

WSUS features include:

  • The incorporation of bandwidth management for optimum use of network resources
  • Automatic download of updates by category
  • The ability to target updates to specific computers or sets of computers
  • Enhanced reporting capabilities
  • Multiple language support.

WSUS is the successor to Software Update Services (SUS).

This was last updated in April 2006

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