View - Software Updates
The Software Updates view shows us all patches that have been discovered as "needed" in the environment. An important part of device lifecycle management is patching and updating systems. This view will allow you to see the available software updates that Microsoft, Apple, and others have provided. As your environment lives and breathes over time, this list will continue to change
- View - Software Updates Overview
- Software Update Detail View
- Software Updates: Deploying to Groups
- Software Updates: Rollout Plans
View - Software Updates Overview
What
The Software Updates view shows us all patches that have been discovered as "needed" in the environment.
When/Why
An important part of device lifecycle management is patching and updating systems. This view will allow you to see the available software updates that Microsoft, Apple, and others have provided
How
As your environment lives and breathes over time, this list will continue to change, example below:
Click on an any update's name to see status and manually install on individual devices
click on the ellipsis (
) to auto deploy for all devices.
Software Update Detail View
What
The Software Update detail view shows specific information about any particular patch needed in the environment. You get to this view by clicking on any particular update link from the Software Update view.
When/Why
There are two things this view really gives us: a view of all devices missing this patch, and the ability to assign the patch to all present (and future) devices that may need it.
How
The reporting aspect of this view is really helpful. "Deploy to all requesting devices" will automatically set this patch to be installed on any device that needs it now, and any device that ever asks for it in future.
Software Updates: Deploying to Groups
What
With Version 14.5+ of the FileWave WebAdmin, you can now deploy Software Updates to groups of devices.
When/Why
This feature is very helpful for us when it comes to deploying patches to groups of devices. Typical uses would be for assigning patches to Patch Testing groups. or department-based devices.
How
To utilize group deployments, go to Software Updates→ Any individual update and you'll notice the Groups on the bottom left:
Groups are only used once you add them (future iterations will most likely include the ability to set favorite groups). But, to add any pre-existing manual or smart groups, just click the Add Group Button and select group(s):
Once your group(s) are added, you can select the group, and then click the Deploy to Selected Group option to deploy to that specific group of devices:
You can also deploy to specific devices within a group by manually selecting them and choosing the same deploy option.
Related Content
Software Updates: Rollout Plans
What
FileWave Version 14.5+ now adds the capability to deploy Software Updates during specified hours of the day/week. We are quite excited for this feature as it expands to more options in future FileWave versions.
When/Why
Software Updates can be bothersome in a production environment because they so often require a reboot of the endpoints, and no one wants that interruption during a production day. Rollout Plans allow you to specify what time of day, or time of week these installations can happen.
At current, the installation windows are hard-coded, but future iterations will allow customization of these time windows, and will expand to more than just Software Update deployments.
How
Using Rollout Plans is rather simple...with any Software Update selected, just select group(s) and device(s), then click on Rollout Plan in the lower right:
Once you have made you selection, you will see it reflected in the admin, like:
When you then click on "Deploy to Selected devices" (and update model), the updates will download immediately, but won't actually install until the effective time window.