.:Computer Defense:.

Now, I'm often accused of being a Microsoft Zealot (I really don't think that's true, but oh well)... So here's my "obligatory" post taking a shot at Microsoft...

I was astounded today to read that the AutoPatcher project had received a notice from Microsoft requesting they immediately remove their download page. Why?!? Nobody really has a clear answer. I think Microsoft has made a big mistake here... A lot of users (especially those in Tech Support) keep an AutoPatcher CD handy and it makes life so much easier... I know that when I was doing student support, AutoPatcher was a Godsend.

For those of you that don't know what AutoPatcher was... allow me to explain. It was a series of ISO downloads, XP and 2K3 were the ones I used, I can't remember if there was a 2K or not. The CD contained a nice setup utility and allowed you to select your patches and install them (all archived on the CD). In addition it includes tools and utilities available for download that in many cases I didn't know existed, for example portqry.

The only reason I can see for Microsoft sending this notice, is that it's some sort of WGA violation. I think that it's a huge mistake and can't believe that Microsoft has done this. AutoPatcher was a free product, doing a lot of good by promoting active updating and the discovery of new Microsoft provided tools and was obviously promoting good security practice. It's sad to see a worthwhile project like this die, especially without justification.