Bigfix.com is a new service that offers to install software on your computer which regularly connects to their Internet servers in order to find bug
fixes and security patches for you system.
While the Window's Update Web site offers a great way to keep your
operating system current, BigFix takes such automation several steps
beyond in terms of both details and execution.
With the ability to notify you of not just fixes for Windows, but
also for other Microsoft products (such as the office suite) BigFix
would be easy to recommend. However, what really launches the BigFix
service into the "must have" category is it's ability to analyze your
system's internal settings in order to find those that may create
vulnerability from outside hackers.
While other sites and services can help you keep your system's software
up to date, this is the first I've seen that checks your computer's
existing configuration against previously documented technical issues.
Even more impressive is BigFix's ability to automatically download
and install software patches and also to change your system's settings
to close the security holes that it finds.
Trust me, it will find them! In reviewing this service over the last
several weeks, it has uncovered numerous settings on my system that
could expose my computer to hackers and also has found software patches
for both Windows and Microsoft Office programs that I had somehow
missed. This is particularly impressive because I regularly visit
Microsoft's Web site and also review a number of security oriented
Web sites, too.
In each case, BigFix effortlessly installed the appropriate software
patches and modified my system's settings to close security loopholes.
Fortunately, the service never takes action without obtaining your
approval first, and always provides a link to "more information" so
that if you're not sure whether or not you want the "fix" you can
quickly research the issue at hand.
While I'd venture a guess that there will eventually be a cost for
this outstanding tool, it is currently offered to consumers free of
charge.
While I often "recommend" certain Web sites, software, and hardware,
when it comes to trying BigFix, I must insist! Odds are that you'll
be both surprised by just how many "fixes" your system needs and grateful
that such a wonderful service exists.
Published: March 1, 2002
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