Updater Application Block

The updater block is a library that you add to your application to manage the download of the application pieces through HTTP.It has some advantages over the original Framework implementation:

• It runs as a local application and is available all the time with no performance penalties.


• Updates are transacted; that is, all the files of a new version must be successfully downloaded before the new version becomes available.


• All the application files are listed in a manifest.


• It runs as a full trust application; you needn't fiddle with client security policy.


• Your application can have shortcuts on the Start menu.


On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages:


• You must change your application substantially in order to use it. Since it uses BITS to download the application pieces, it does not run under Windows 98/ME; Windows 2000 or later is required.


• It runs as a fully trusted local application, so it pretty much ignores code access security.


• It's not supported by Microsoft.