HOW TO: Schedule Automatic Updates in Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 327838 - If you are logged on as an administrator, the Automatic Updates feature in Windows notifies you when critical updates are available for your computer. There is a new Automatic Updates feature that you can use to specify the schedule that Windows follows to install updates on your computer. This article describes how to install this new Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP and Windows 2000 and how to use it to schedule Automatic Updates.

HOW TO: Use Group Policy to Apply Security Patches in Windows 2000 
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 314273 - This step-by-step article describes how to use Group Policy to apply security patches. You must be a member of the Administrators group on a computer that is running either Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000 Advanced Server to perform all of the procedures that are described in this article.

Keeping up with the Fixes
How to help your organization keep up with all the patches and fixes released by Microsoft. Source: Windows NT Systems Magazine. (Dec 1999)

Keeping Your Windows Systems Updated
Although many of the updates that the XP Automatic Updates download are XP-specific, some are also beneficial for Win2K and NT computers on your network. David Chernicoff shares his perspective on why you need to check whether your systems are up-to-date. Source: Windows & .NET Magazine (Aug 2002)

Microsoft Guide to Security Patch Management
This guide provides concise information, prescriptive techniques, tools, and templates to help organizations cost-effectively maintain a secure and reliable Microsoft environment through the proactive assessment of vulnerabilities and the application of security patches and appropriate countermeasures. This guide is divided into two parts: the first providing essential security patch management information that is valuable to everyone and the second providing detailed process descriptions and techniques. Source: Microsoft Technet

Microsoft opens Security Bulletin Search Page
Microsoft has implemented a Security Bulletin Search Page which includes a search function that will let you view all of the security patches available for a particular product according to the service packs you've installed on your system. For more information, see the FAQ

New Naming Schema for Microsoft Windows Hotfix Packages
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 816915 - Microsoft has adopted a standardized naming schema for all hotfix packages (patches or updates) for Windows that are created and distributed by Microsoft. The new naming schema goes in effect in April 2003 for all update packages.

NT 4.0 Patches: Protection and Prevention
Advice on developing a update strategy for Microsoft's hotfixes and patches. Source: Network Computing (August 1999)

Use QChain.exe to Install Multiple Hotfixes with Only One Reboot 
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 296861 - Microsoft has released a command-line tool named QChain.exe that gives system administrators the ability to safely chain hotfixes together. Hotfix chaining involves installing multiple hotfixes without rebooting between each installation. Without this tool, the only supported method is to reboot after each hotfix installation.

Qfecheck.exe Verifies the Installation of Windows 2000 Hotfixes
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 282784 - Microsoft has released a command-line tool named Qfecheck.exe that gives network administrators increased ability to track and verify installed Windows 2000 hotfixes. 

Receive a Security Patch in the mail? Don't Install it!
Several e-mails are being circulated, purporting to be Microsoft Security Bulletins and containing attachments that are claimed to be security patches. Microsoft never sends software via e-mail. If you have received such an e-mail, don't run the attachment!

Release Notes for the Microsoft Security Tool Kit 
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 309536 - The MultiLanguage versions of the products listed above are also supported in the English version of the Microsoft Security Tool Kit. 

Server Requirements and Recommendations for Installing Microsoft Software Update Services Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 322365 - This article lists requirements and recommendations for installing Microsoft Software Update Services (MSUS). 

Tool and Patch Available to correct Hotfix Packaging Anomalies
Microsoft has released a tool and patch that allow customers to diagnose and eliminate the effects of anomalies in the packaging of hotfixes for English language versions of Microsoft® Windows 2000. Under certain circumstances, these anomalies could cause the removal of some hotfixes, which could include some security patches, from a Windows 2000 system.

Use QChain.exe to Install Multiple Hotfixes with Only One Reboot 
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 296861 - Microsoft has released a command-line tool named QChain.exe that gives system administrators the ability to safely chain hotfixes together. Hotfix chaining involves installing multiple hotfixes without rebooting between each installation. Without this tool, the only supported method is to reboot after each hotfix installation.

Windows 2000 Hotfix.exe Program Description and Command-Line Switches
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 262841 - A hotfix is a program file that installs one or more files to correct a problem. A Windows 2000 hotfix program file is named Qnnnnnn.exe, where nnnnnn is the six-digit number that is assigned to the hotfix.

Windows Update Site Incorrectly Identifies Windows 2000 Retail as Beta
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 256962 - When you attempt to use the Microsoft Windows Update Web site from a retail copy of Windows 2000, you may receive the following message: You appear to be running a beta version of Windows 2000. In order to use Windows Update you need to upgrade your system to the released version of Windows 2000.