As expected, Microsoft today released two “important” patches in its March security update.
The two security bulletins address Windows and Office holes that could have remote code execution (RCE) implications. The March patch describes eight vulnerabilities that had not been previously disclosed.
Microsoft has made available for download the February 2010 cumulative time zone update for Windows operating systems, a refresh designed to align the company’s platforms with daylight saving time (DST) changes in several countries worldwide.
Windows 7 customers that are running specific editions of the operating system now have available an update designed to kick up a notch the functionality of the platform’s media core. At the end of the past month, the Redmond company released the February 2010 Windows Media Center Cumulative Update for Windows 7.
Microsoft has released a slew of nonsecurity updates on Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center, the majority of which are for the latest versions of the client and server operating systems.
Last week, Microsoft posted a slew of non-security updates for Windows 7, one of which was titled as follows: “An update is available to improve the stability and the reliability of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.” Unfortunately, according to a thread on Microsoft TechNet, the update (KB977074) is actually breaking the stability and reliability of the operating system.
In the first half of January 2010, Microsoft released a single security bulletin impacting Windows. This month, that number has grown to 11. At the same time, the company’s latest versions of Windows will be impacted by the patches coming next week. No less than 3 Critical bulletins will plug security holes in both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows 7 customers will need to deploy two additional patch packages rated as Important. Windows Vista users will have to deploy 3 Critical and 3 Important security bulletins, with Windows XP being targeted by no less than 5 Critical updates.
While customers are waiting for the first service pack release for Microsoft’s fastest selling operating system in history, the company is already hard at work pushing the platform forward. Customers no longer have to wait for the first major upgrade for Windows 7 in order to boost the OS on the next stage in its evolution.