Need information on Windows update internals

I'm working on a research project and am trying to locate some info on
the internals of how Windows Update works. Specifically, I'd like to
find out more information on the security mechanisms. For example, I
am assuming that public key encryption is used, but how does the end
user obtain the public key used to authenticate the updates (does it
ship with Windows? or is it downloaded at a later time?)

If anyone can point me to a Microsoft white paper or webpage, that
would be helpful.

Thanks,
Scott

<pft> I wish. If you find something, let us know, please!
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Scott wrote:
> I'm working on a research project and am trying to locate some info on
> the internals of how Windows Update works. Specifically, I'd like to
> find out more information on the security mechanisms. For example, I
> am assuming that public key encryption is used, but how does the end
> user obtain the public key used to authenticate the updates (does it
> ship with Windows? or is it downloaded at a later time?)
>
> If anyone can point me to a Microsoft white paper or webpage, that
> would be helpful.
>
> Thanks,
> Scott