Microsoft to make updates less disruptive, more predicatable

In an effort to smooth the patching process for users, Microsoft plans to improve its updating mechanism in Windows 8, due out next year. Specifically, all Windows Update restarts will be consolidated to synchronize with the software giant's monthly security update, according to a Microsoft blog post. In addition, restarts will be delayed if the machine detects the possibility of data loss or if the user is working with an intensive program, such as a game, movie or presentation. At the business level, the updating functionality works the same as it would for home users. However, just as in Windows 7, IT administrators can set a policy to prevent automatic restarts from happening.