History of Windows/Microsoft updates question

Discussion in 'other security issues & news' started by Fly, Jun 10, 2008.

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  1. Fly

    Fly Registered Member

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    It's Patch Tuesday again, and I have downloaded the updates.

    I've been thinking about the history of Windows/Microsoft updates.
    (a quick search didn't give me the answers I was looking for)

    How does it usually work ? Are there exploits in the wild, being abused, and reported to Microsoft, which then comes up with a patch ?

    Or is it also the case that Microsoft and security software companies do their own research, and discover vulnerabilities on their own ?
     
  2. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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    Possibly. In this case, Microsoft has to come with a patch that isn't worse for millions of users than the reported vulnerabilitly.
    Yes.
     
  3. ccsito

    ccsito Registered Member

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    If this is true, then one wonders why the program was released with hidden bugs from the beginning? Is then the primary reason to force everyone to upgrade and pay millions of $$$ to the developers? :doubt:
     
  4. Dark Shadow

    Dark Shadow Registered Member

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    what I dont get with vista updates,I check for updates every few days or so and nothing.then sha bang 8 updates just tody.What does microsoft doe, save up for a while then send them all at there convenience.o_O
     
  5. innerpeace

    innerpeace Registered Member

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    It's called "Black Tuesday". It happens every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Sometimes we get lucky and there are no patches issued.
     
  6. Longboard

    Longboard Registered Member

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    Dry Ronjor, very dry.
    :cool:
     
  7. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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  8. Dark Shadow

    Dark Shadow Registered Member

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    Ah I did not now that.Thanks innerpeace
     
  9. Dark Shadow

    Dark Shadow Registered Member

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    I am aware of the patches need to be tested.I was just curious to why larger updates at once.I know now from innerpeace explaination how they go about It.
     
  10. Fly

    Fly Registered Member

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    A little off topic: I've learned that there is a much smaller probability that patches cause problems if one does disable the active protection of ALL security software before downloading and installing the patches.

    I'm behind a router, if you're not you could temporarily enable the Windows firewall.
     
  11. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    Having updates available on a predictable day is convenient for people who are responsible for updating a lot of computers.
     
  12. MrBrian

    MrBrian Registered Member

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    Software is complicated. People are imperfect. Developer knowledge varies. Software management attitudes vary. Software companies don't necessarily have incentives to produce defect-free products (see https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=209880).
     
  13. ccsito

    ccsito Registered Member

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    As a coder, I am infallible. ;) If it doesn't work, that is because I was only given the specifications and I followed through them. In my case, software updates are released on a strict timeline. Delays are unacceptable. :cool:
     
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