Patch Manager

1. SolarWinds Academy: This platform offers a variety of training programs, including certifications, instructor-led classes, and eLearning videos. It’s a great place to start for a comprehensive understanding of Patch Manager.
2. Getting Started Guide: SolarWinds provides a detailed guide to help you get started with Patch Manager. It includes information on installation, configuration, and basic features
3. Patch Manager Administrator Guide: For more advanced information and customization options, this guide is very helpful. It covers everything from setting up your environment to generating reports for compliance audits.
4. THWACK Community: SolarWinds’ community platform, THWACK, offers various resources, including training sessions and practical use cases for commonly used features.

best practices for using SolarWinds Patch Manager effectively:

1. Regular Synchronization

• Daily WSUS Synchronization: Ensure your WSUS server synchronizes with the Microsoft Updates Catalog daily. This helps you stay up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates.

2. Inventory Management

• Frequent Inventory Updates: Regularly inventory your WSUS server and Windows network to ensure reports contain the latest information. This helps in accurate patch deployment and compliance reporting.

3. Patch Testing

• Phased Deployment: Implement a phased approach to patch deployment. Test patches in a controlled environment before rolling them out across your entire network. This minimizes the risk of disruptions.

4. Third-Party Updates

• Automatic Downloads: Enable automatic daily downloads of third-party updates. This ensures that your systems are protected against vulnerabilities in non-Microsoft software.

5. Security Monitoring

• Monitor Security Bulletins: Regularly check the Microsoft Security Response Center for the latest security risks and vulnerabilities. Staying informed helps you respond quickly to new threats.

6. Custom Filters

• Remove Custom Filters: Ensure no custom filters are applied to the Third Party Updates list. This guarantees that all necessary updates are published to your systems.

7. Compliance and Reporting

• Generate Regular Reports: Use Patch Manager to generate compliance reports regularly. This helps in tracking the patch status of your systems and ensures you meet regulatory requirements.

8. Community Engagement

• Leverage THWACK Community: Engage with the SolarWinds THWACK community for additional tips, best practices, and troubleshooting advice from other users.