WindizUpdate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
WindizUpdate is an unofficial web-based software update service for Microsoft Windows operating systems provided by 62NDS Solutions Ltd, a third-party from Microsoft. WindizUpdate is intended to be an alternative to Microsoft's Windows Update web site.
The primary difference between WindizUpdate and Windows Update is that WindizUpdate aims to be more compatible with the Mozilla Firefox and Opera web browsers, but does not work with Internet Explorer. In addition, it does not require a Windows Genuine Advantage check on a system; as a result, installations of Windows that are using a blacklisted product key, often because the software is pirated, are able to make use of the service.
WindizUpdate, being a third-party service, has some disadvantages. Specifically, the integrity of the browser plug-in and delivered product updates have no official guarantees. This could be a potential security risk, as obtaining updates outside of Microsoft is generally discouraged, however Windiz does instruct your browser to download the updates directly from Microsoft and/or Akamai. The service usually suffers a slight delay against Windows Update, as they need to update their patch database.
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[edit] Update Process
Before downloading the updates you are given the option to download all updates only, or download and install the updates. You can also view info about the updates and manually download them yourself by clicking such links as for example this external link.
Updates are always downloaded from Akamai or Microsoft, similar to when one downloads updates from Microsoft.
This is what TCPViewer shows when downloading the updates automatically using Windiz. Firefox, instructed by Windiz, is downloading the updates from Akamai, and not from Windiz.
firefox.exe:1674 TCP box1:1368 a193-45-3-46.deploy.akamaitechnologies.com:http LAST_ACK
[edit] Legality
If all download links were WGA enforced then Windiz probably wouldn't be able to have your computer download from Microsoft without implementing WGA in its (Windizes) services. Presently you don't need WGA to download security patches (at least). For example: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=f4c8e767-4ed2-4e36-aa43-612f3017efc7&displaylang=en (WGA isn't required to download)
If there exists some legal clauses against having software scan your computer and recommend security updates, and have the software instruct your computer to download (from Microsoft) and install the files automatically, then Microsoft probably could put an end to the Windiz services, yet, Windiz still remains to this day.
[edit] See also
- AutoPatcher XP, another Windows Update alternative offered by Neowin.net
