Scan Component Completeness Considerations

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The accuracy of the software update inventory on SMS client computers is directly related to how current the local catalog of software updates is. To ensure that the scan component is using the latest software update information to create your inventory, do the following:

  • Ensure that the software update catalog is current. If the synchronization component does not regularly download the updated version of the catalog, you risk the possibility of missing critical updates and creating an inaccurate inventory.

  • If you have not configured the synchronization component to automatically update the distribution points, make sure you perform this step manually each time the synchronization component runs.

  • Ensure that your process for using the synchronization component to download the latest database of software updates reflects the update schedule and frequency for that database. It is best to schedule the database download to occur as soon as possible after the database master copy is updated on the Web.

For example, the Security Updates Bulletin Catalog, MSSecure.xml, contains security update information that Microsoft updates regularly - once a week by default. Downloading this catalog on a weekly schedule (immediately following the Microsoft update) is generally optimal, and in most cases downloading the catalog more frequently does not provide any additional benefit or protection to your system. (Be aware, however, that Microsoft can update this file at any time if circumstances require it.)

For more information, see Table 6.14, "Software Update Management Processes Sample Schedule" earlier in this chapter.

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