Auto Client Update

Backup for Workgroups version 4.0 now includes a time-saving Auto Client Update feature that is handy for any size installation.  Now Administrators only have to update the Data Repository software once and all Clients will be updated automatically the next time the Clients perform their periodic check for updates.

• What is Auto Client Update?
  
  Auto Client Update is the process of keeping the Backup Client software in-sync with updates you make to the Data Repository Manager.  (Older Backup for Workgroups 1.x-2.x users must purchase the Premium 4.0 upgrade to receive this feature.)
  
• Is this an Auto Installer?
  
  NO - This feature will not automatically install the Backup Client on a computer that does not have the client software on it already.  And, this feature will not automatically update other software outside of the Backup for Workgroups Backup Client software.  It is not general purpose patch management software either.  But, it will keep your Backup Client software up-to-date.
• Why do I want Auto Client Update?
  
  If you want to eliminate the need to go around to all your Backup Client computers just to update the Backup for Workgroups software that is running on each one, then you are going to love the Auto Client Update feature.
• How does Auto Client Update work?
  
  Because Backup for Workgroups is a client/server software solution, the Backup Clients can check your Data Repository to see if you have downloaded any updates to your Data Repository.  If you have installed an update to your Data Repository Manager, the Backup Client will detect the update and automatically download the latest version of the Backup Client software from your Data Repository.  The Auto Client Update capability is automatically activated inside Backup for Workgroups and you do not need to turn it on through a check-box or dialog preference.
  
  Please note that the Auto Client Update feature inside Backup for Workgroups should not be confused with how Microsoft's Windows Update operates, in which individual computers call out over the Internet to Microsoft to check for and download updates directly.  Backup for Workgroups' Auto Client Update does not communicate with Lockstep Systems or any type of service over the Internet.  The Backup Client communicates with your Data Repository Manager at your location in order to receive it's updates - using the same method it always uses to send backup data.
• What happens when Auto Client Update runs?
  
  1. When you receive a notice that a new version of Backup for Workgroups is available, you would first download the updated Setup program from the Lockstep Systems website and save this file on your Data Repository Manager computer.
  
  2. At a time of your choosing, use the newly downloaded Setup program to update your Data Repository.  This allows you to control when the automatic updates get applied.
  
  3. Now that your Data Repository has been updated, the Backup Clients will check for updates.  The Backup Clients will detect the update and automatically download and install the new Backup Client software from your Data Repository.  Please note that the Backup Clients only check for updates once per day, at a random time each day.  As a result, it may take up to 1 day for all of your Backup Clients to detect and install the new update, if available.
• What is the benefit of Auto Client Update?
  
  The key benefit to you when you take advantage of the Auto Client Update premium feature available in Version 4.0 is the time you save updating each client computer with new Backup Client software.  And, you do not need to keep track of which computer has been updated, because the update process is automatic and performed without intervention.

Requirements

• The Backup Client software must already be installed on a client computer.  This is NOT an auto-installer, it is auto update.
• The Backup Client must be running Backup for Workgroups version 3.0 or higher.  If you have older versions of the Backup Client, you will need to manually update them to version 3.0.  At least this will be last time that this is a manual process! We recommend that you plan for the future and get them all updated now.
• The Auto Client Update feature is considered a premium feature, which means if you are a current Backup for Workgroups 2.x/1.x user, and you simply download the FREE update, you will not get the Auto Client Update feature until you purchase the premium upgrade license key, which gives you all kinds of great features!

How do I get Auto Client Update?

• If you are currently using Backup for Workgroups 2.x/1.x, you need to purchase the premium 4.0 upgrade.  In other words, this feature is not available in the free update.
• If you are using the Backup for Workgroups version 4.0 trial download software from the Lockstep Systems website, it is available for use during the 30-day evaluation period.
• If you purchase a Backup for Workgroups version 4.0 license key, the Auto Client Update feature is included.