Update Deployment for Visual Studio and the .NET Framework

Deployment Channels

I stated in an earlier post that "I am the person in charge of getting product updates (service packs and hotfixes) for Visual Studio and the .NET Framework into distribution channels like Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and the Microsoft Download Center." It occured to me that some of you might care which updates go where. If you do, read on!

.NET Framework Installer Technologies: A Primer

Updates for the the .NET Framework 1.1 come in two flavors: One set of packages for 32-bit x86 versions of Windows Server 2003 and a different package for everything else. Similarly, updates for the .NET Framework 1.0 come in two flavors as well: One set of packages for Tablet PC and Media Center editions of Windows XP, and a different set of packages for everything else. Confused? You're not alone. I'll try to help.