Maintain Security with Windows Server 2003

To help you protect your software and computers from attack, Microsoft provides a security program that regularly delivers service packs, security rollups, and critical updates. This page is your starting point for staying on top of the latest security developments for Windows Server 2003.

IT professionals and developers can quickly find security-related information about all Microsoft products on the Security Guidance Center.

Home users and IT professionals can find support information, including virus alerts, common issues, and how-to articles, by visiting the Support Security Center.

Downloads

•	Hotfix and Security Bulletin Service Find the latest bulletins and downloads to help prevent vulnerabilities on your system. Search by product, technology, or KB article.

•	Most Active Downloads Use this dynamically generated list to find the most popular updates, security downloads, and documentation in the Download Center.

•	Windows Update Get the latest updates for your operating system, software, and hardware. Windows® Update checks your system and provides recommended downloads tailored just for you.

•	Microsoft Office Resource Kit Find the latest tools and security updates to help keep your system safe and up to date.

•	Internet Explorer Cumulative Patch Download the latest patch to eliminate previously addressed as well as newly reported security vulnerabilities affecting Internet Explorer. This update includes the functionality of all previously released patches.

•

Software Update Services (SUS)

Microsoft Software Update Services (SUS) enables administrators to deploy critical updates to Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003–based servers, as well as to desktop computers running Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional. Additionally, SUS now provides service packs.

•

Software Update Services Feature Pack

Microsoft Systems Management Server SUS Feature Pack contains the following tools: the Security Update Inventory Tool, the Microsoft Office Inventory Tool for Updates, the Distribute Software Updates Wizard, and the SMS Web Reporting Tool with Web Reports Add-In for Software Updates.

Troubleshoot and Maintain

•	Security Guidance Center for Developers and IT Pros This site provides links to information, tools, and training to help IT professionals and developers secure Windows Server 2003 and other Microsoft products.

•	Guide for Installing and Deploying Updates for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 This guide provides instructions for administrators who are installing updates, critical updates, hotfixes, and security patches on computers running Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003.

•	Microsoft Security Notification Service Sign up for this free e-mail notification service to receive information about the security of Microsoft products.

•	Security Tools This TechNet security portal offers tools to assess vulnerabilities and strengthen security, including automatic scan, lockdown, auditing, intrusion detection, and virus protection tools.

•	Protect Your System Follow this three-step method to help ensure your system is protected.

•	Virus Alerts Consult this list of current Microsoft PSS Security Response Team virus alerts, including technical details, impact, prevention, and recovery information.

•	Security Technologies FAQ Get answers from the Windows Server Community to frequently asked questions about trusts, firewalls, group policy, authorization, authentication, and more.

•	bCentral Security Tips Read these five short articles with quick steps to tighten security, protect your systems, and help safeguard your data.

Learn More

•	What's New in Security Learn about the security features and benefits of the Windows Server 2003 operating system.

•	Security Services Technology Center Find out about Windows Server 2003 security services and related technologies, such as PKI and IPv6, including technical overviews, articles, case studies, and webcasts.

•	Security Services in Windows Server 2003 This Microsoft TechNet site provides information to help you evaluate, plan, maintain, and support security services in Windows Server 2003.

•	Security and Privacy Browse this Microsoft security and privacy site for the latest security news.

•	Newsletters Receive one or more free Microsoft e-mail newsletters, such as Windows Platform News or TechNet Flash, to keep up with the latest security news and technical resources.

Community

•	Security Technologies Community Center Find newsgroups, chat schedules, and other resources specific to the security services in Windows server operating systems.

•	Related Communities Find articles, reviews, newsletters, discussion forums, user groups, and references within these third-party sites to get answers to your questions, state your opinions, meet your peers, and learn more about Windows server operating systems.

Books and Training

•	Windows Server 2003 Security Bookstore Learn how to create a more secure business environment with these books from a variety of publishers.

•	Microsoft Press Books About Security Secure your vital assets against Internet-based threats with technical guidance and expert advice from Microsoft Press books.

•	Security Training for IT Pros Attend a clinic or learn the fundamentals of network security to help protect your corporate systems.