So Microsoft Update is great ...

[MrChad]

I love how Microsoft Update now checks for both operating system and Microsoft application updates, but I can't help but wonder how much easier maintenance would be if the update system were open and extensible.

1. Software developers could build their own update "plug-ins", allowing Microsoft Update to check not only Microsoft's website, but third-party websites as well.

2. Network administrators could use group policy and SUS to control the updates of all applications, not just Microsoft ones.

Isn't this kind of what apt-get does in the Debian world? Why isn't there a bigger push for this feature in Windows?

 

[bsobel]

Why isn't there a bigger push for this feature in Windows?

MS has been pushing this for some time, alot of third party ISV's are concerened about the idea of MS being the primary update mechanism. That said, you'll see more of this moving forward as MS works out the kinks.

 

[nweaver]

apt-get update && apt-get upgrade (or maybe vice versa...)

it is a FEATURE of repositories/package management (of which apt is, a package manager).

 

[Zelmo3]

CNET used to offer a service called Catch-Up, which would do what you're asking about, all from the comfort of your web browser. I used it when I was a regular Windows user, and as I recall it worked quite well. Sadly, it's been discontinued, though it appears you can sign up for a weekly newsletter that notifies you of updates.