Classifications

Introduction

Update classifications indicate the type of the update. For a product or product family, updates can be available in multiple update classifications. For example, the Windows XP family can have both Critical Updates and Security Updates).

Element	Description
Test and Production mode	The Classification folder is available for a Patch Management child point and All updates. The folder contains a number of subfolders, one for each registered category. When you click on a folder, specific updates for this folder are shown in the content pane. The basic idea is to show updates in an easy and structured way.
Tree view	The classifications shown in the tree view reflect the classifications selected on the WSUS server 3.0 in the WSUS management console. They are synchronized once a day.

Classification descriptions

Element	Description
Critical updates	Broadly released fixes for specific problems addressing critical, non-security-related bugs.
Definition updates	Updates to virus files or other definition files.
Drivers	Software components designed to support new hardware.
Feature packs	New feature releases, usually rolled into products at the next release.
Security Updates	Broadly released fixes for specific products, addressing security issues.
Service packs	Cumulative sets of all hotfixes, security updates, critical updates and other updates created since the release of the product. Service packs might also contain a limited number of customer-requested design changes or features.
Tools	Utilities or features that aid in accomplishing a task or a set of tasks.
Update Rollups	Cumulative sets of hotfixes, security updates, critical updates and other updates packaged together for easy deployment. A rollup generally targets a specific area, such as security, or a specific component, such as Internet Information Services (IIS).
Updates	Broadly released fixes for specific problems addressing non-critical, non-security-related bugs.