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November 14th, 2012, 07:30 GMT · By

Microsoft Releases Security Updates for Windows 8, Other Software

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Microsoft also patched Windows 8 bugs
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As part of its Patch Tuesday cycle, Microsoft has released updates not only for the brand new Windows 8 operating system, but also for Internet Explorer 9 and Excel.

The company fixed a total of four security glitches in Windows 8, but security experts warn that users should first install the Internet Explorer 9 patch in case they rely on this browser version.

“Security issues have been identified that could allow an attacker to compromise a system that is running Microsoft Internet Explorer and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft,” Microsoft writes in the bulletin description.

As for the Windows 8 patches, the Redmond-based technology company used the same generic description to explain the bug.

“A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it,” Microsoft said.

Six of the patches were marked as “critical,” while the rest of them were flagged as “important” or “moderate.”

As always, all updates can be installed via the built-in Windows Update, so minimum user input is required.

This is the first batch of updates aimed at Windows 8 and Windows RT platforms since their debut on October 26, so Microsoft seems very keen on patching security flaws and bugs as fast as possible.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Microsoft is no longer planning to debut any other service pack, but instead it tries to rely on more frequent updates that could keep its software on the safe side.

The same strategy is apparently planned for Windows 7 systems as well, even though users of this particular operating system version were actually expecting a second service pack.

Another wave of updates is expected at about the same time next month, but quick fixes aimed to patch critical bugs could always be released in the meantime.


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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Janice on 14 Nov 2012, 14:37 UTC reply to this comment

We need a start menu provided by Microsoft! Get with the program:)


Hi, I work as a computer tech in Zephyrhills, FL. I have alot of customers from all over the country, that winter here, so I meet alot of people with different backgrounds and skill levels. I used to teach adults, so I feel I can speak with experience:)

I've been working on computers since 1998, so I've been through every operating system since dos. My problem with windows 8. Microsoft forgot to consider how people have struggled through each operating system over the years. Older people like something they are familiar with, and without a start menu, people are lost. They can't find their files.

I've worked on 2 windows 8 computers so far and on the first one, I sat at this lady's house for 20 minutes working on this new windows 8 and I couldn't figure out how to find computer so I could reinstall her files. Wow. But I figured everything out and now I like windows 8. But how I got around all of the problems, was I downloaded a free start menu off of the internet. But so many are offering free start menu buttons, I worry whats in those programs.

Am I spreading viruses or some bad code? Suggestion to microsoft...offer a button that says, I prefer a start menu, then offer them a microsoft one through updates. You have alot of senior citizens who need that start menu. I believe then you won't have a rush of people taking computers back to get windows 7. Both of my customers tried to return their computers, both at staples. They tried to show these ladies how to do it, but older people forget. And swiping to the right to bring up the settings, thats a big fail. I saw this lady swipe 10 times and she just wasn't fast enough. It kept on disappearing. They need to have it as a permanent tool bar if they prefer. But what about those free start menus? Are they safe to download? Can Microsoft give us an update with a genuine start menu? Thank you.

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