Client script samples are making life easier when managing AU across environments. Check out the TechNet Community Script Center's AU script samples,  and Rob Dunns' addition of install/present reboot notice, onTorgeir Bakken's force client update (to latest version) then email logfile to designated recipient....(from MS samples)!  Good Stuff!!

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/scripts/default.mspx

http://uphold2001.brinkster.net/vbshf/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=199&posts=1