Newsletter Archives

• MS-DEFCON 4: Apply all automatically offered patches…

  Posted on March 8, 2013 at 16:42 CST by woody • Comment in the Forums

  … but don’t install the optional ones.

  Microsoft has shed some light on the problems surrounding their truly messed up Automatic Update KB 2670838. And, to their credit, they’ve changed the patch from “Important” to “Optional”. That means if you install all of the currently offered patches, through Microsoft Update, you won’t get stuck with KB 2670838.

  The rest of the February patches seem to be stable, and there’s a big crop of new ones coming Tuesday. So now’s a good time to apply all the Microsoft Update patches that are offered automatically — and ignore the “Optional” ones that will cause you pain.

  I’m moving us down to MS-DEFCON 4: There are isolated problems with current patches, but they are well-known and documented here. Check this site to see if you’re affected and if things look OK, go ahead and patch.

  Windows Patches/Security February 2013 Black Tuesday, KB 2670838

• Black Tuesday is here – batten down the hatches

  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 06:58 CST by woody • Comment in the Forums

  It’s that time again. Microsoft has released an amazing number of patches for this month’s Black Tuesday.

  The usual advice applies: make sure Windows/Microsoft Automatic Update is turned off, and wait while we see the effects of all of the patches.

  I’m moving us up to MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.

  Windows Patches/Security February 2013 Black Tuesday