BigFix is a centralized operating system patch management service. This service enables both local and central technical support staff to deploy critical security patches to computers across campus — as soon as they're made available by Microsoft or Apple and tested at Stanford — in a consistent and reliable way.
BigFix is a "client-based" service. For your Windows or Mac computer to participate in the BigFix service, you need to install the small client program available for download on this page. The BigFix software on your computer then communicates with Stanford's BigFix server, and determines whether your computer needs any critical security updates or other patches.
Once the Stanford BigFix administrators have tested and released a patch from Microsoft or Apple, the BigFix service automatically distributes and applies the patch to any client Windows or Mac computers that need it.
Anyone who uses a Windows or Mac computer for Stanford-related business, including home users, should install the BigFix client software.