News

Microsoft issues biggest software patch on record

From correspondents in Seattle

Reuters

October 14, 2009 08:00am

VIDEO: Microsoft releases record software patchMicrosoft released its biggest software patch on record this week.

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Some for Windows 7 - before it launches
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MICROSOFT has issued its biggest software patch on record to fix a range of security issues in its programs, including the yet-to-be-released Windows 7 operating system.

In a monthly update sent to users of its software, Microsoft released 13 security bulletins, or patches, to address 34 vulnerabilities it identified across its Windows, Internet Explorer, Silverlight, Office and other products.

It said six of the patches were high priority and should be deployed immediately. The patches - which update software to write over glitches - are designed to protect users from hackers or malicious software downloaded from the internet.

Several of the patches affect Windows 7, the software maker's new operating system which will be officially unveiled next week but has been widely used in test versions.

Such an early sign of security issues on Windows 7 is potentially worrying for Microsoft, which is hoping its new operating system will erase ill-feeling among many customers who bought the predecessor Vista.

A Microsoft spokesperson could not immediately say whether the company had identified further security problems with Windows 7. The company generally does not disclose such problems until it has patches available.

Your Say

Is this really news? Operating systems are patche constantly. I run Linux at home (supposedly the more secure OS) and I have to apply patches regularly. Hackers reggularly find hol...

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Dushy of Melbourne

Comments on this story

Dushy of Melbourne Posted at 11:54am today

Is this really news? Operating systems are patche constantly. I run Linux at home (supposedly the more secure OS) and I have to apply patches regularly. Hackers reggularly find holes in operating systems and applications and the vendors have to release patches to fix the hole. This is not just limited to Microsoft. I a ideal world all OS and Apps should be secure out of the box. But guess what, we don't live in an ideal world. There are a lot of smart people out there who can/will find holes in even the most secure software and vendors have to race to close the security hole. It's a never ending cat and mouse game. This is the reality

Mike of Perth Posted at 11:49am today

Better to see these vulnerabilities being patched than Microsoft sticking their head in the sand. One must wonder how Apple would manage if the market share was reversed and their products were continually being pried apart in the search for vulnerabilities?

Infrastructure Analyst of Sydney Posted at 6:39pm October 14, 2009

Terrible reporting. Like anything has changed. What do they expect? Zero vunerabilities?

Johnboy of Canberra Posted at 2:10pm October 14, 2009

If Mircosoft was a car nobody would buy it because it would never go and continually recalled. It is a joke that i buy a product to use but need so many other things to ensure it works correctly or doesnt get hit by virus or hackers. My next computer will be a Mac

Dave of Brisbane Posted at 2:05pm October 14, 2009

Correspondants in Seattle? My arse - this came from that moron Mac Reporter of yours didn't it? Or some other clueless muppet. Microsoft are constantly releasing updates and patches, nothing new here....just another attempt at a dig at Microsoft on the eve of the retail launch of Seven - which is running like a dream here on my machines btw. But then again, so was Vista.

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