Microsoft rolls out gigantic security update

Microsoft's regularly scheduled security update is getting a bit more than its typical once-over this morning, as it patches 34 different problems, tying the record for the most vulnerabilities ever tackled in one of the company's standard updates.

Of course, the vast majority of the updates are classified as low risk, meaning they weren't necessarily a big threat but still deemed as a stability problem for Microsoft applications.
Fourt of the patches, though, are deemed extremely critical and relate to errors in Windows coding that could be exploitable for a hacker to take over an infected user's computer. These vulnerabilities specifically relate to:

- Microsoft's MPEG Layer-3 audio codecs was not protected against specific code that could be exploited through streaming Internet content

- Windows Media Player was vulnerable to playing back malicious media files that would render the user's computer useless

- Microsoft Office had an issue with not being able to protect against a potential attack through a specially formatted e-mail

- Microsoft's online services .Net Framework and Silverlight each had the same vulnerability that could have allowed remote code execution from a hacker

The software giant says that none of the critical vulnerabilities have led to a significant problem across its user base. Of the remaining 34 vulnerabilities, more than half were given a "1" on Microsoft's 1 - 3 scale of importance, however a whopping nine of them were set at "2" which is still nothing to scoff at.

Full details on the record-tying security patch are available on Microsoft's website. The update will be rolling out automatically to users who have Automatic Updates configured on their PC.

Microsoft issues emergency flaw fix

Microsoft issued an emergency patch on Monday to correct a critical Windows bug that had allowed attackers to gain control of infected machines via program shortcuts.

Microsoft usually issues patches to fix software flaws just once a month. But the seriousness of the bug forced the software giant to issue an emergency patch outside the normal schedule.

Widely publicized last month, the flaw was used to attack industrial control systems in manufacturing and utility control systems via the so-called Stuxnet worm.

Exploiting the way Windows creates shortcuts to often-used application and software, the flaw was used to automatically execute malware that gave control of the computer over to attackers.

However, computers still running Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows 2000 were not included in Monday’s fix, because Microsoft, as previously announced, has stopped supporting those operating systems.

Microsoft Reports 48% Increase In Profits

Windows 7 and Office 2010 paced strong fourth fiscal quarter for the software powerhouse.

Microsoft rode its workhorses Windows and Office to a 48% increase in profits in the fourth fiscal quarter, while its attempts at newer technology trends, such as search and mobile phones, were less successful.
The software maker on Thursday reported a net income of $4.5 billion, or 52 cents a share, for the quarter ended June 30, compared to a profit of $3.05 billion, or 34 cents a share, the same period a year ago. Revenue increased 22% year to year to $16.04 billion from $13.1 billion.

"We saw strong sales execution across all of our businesses, particularly in the enterprise with Windows 7 and Office 2010," Kevin Turner, chief operating officer for Microsoft, said in a statement.
Indeed, Microsoft's latest results showed that Windows and the Office productivity suite that run on traditional PCs still have lots of steam, despite having been around well before the Internet or today's hottest electronic device the smartphone.

Microsoft benefited from businesses increasing spending to replace older computers that companies held on to during last year's economic recession. The company estimated that worldwide PC shipments grew by about 22% to 24% in the quarter.

Driven mostly by Windows 7 sales, Microsoft's Windows and Windows Live Division reported a 44% increase in revenue year to year to $4.6 billion. Operating income rose 59% to $3.06 billion.

Sales of Office 2010, released during the quarter, drove revenue for Microsoft's Business Division up 15% to $5.3 billion, while operating income rose 21% to $3.3 billion.

However, Microsoft didn't do as well in areas where it competes with Google and Apple, both leaders in newer technologies. In fact, Microsoft's revenue in the quarter was just slightly ahead of the $15.7 billion reported this week by Apple for about the same period. A decade ago, Microsoft's revenue tripled Apple's, but the latter company remains significantly less profitable.

While revenue from Microsoft's Online Services Division, which includes the company's search engine Bing, was up 13% to $565 million, the division saw an operating loss of $696 million, 19% more than a year ago. A significant portion of the loss was due to the cost associated with a deal in which Microsoft will take over search on the web portal Yahoo.

However, Microsoft has seen gains in Internet search, which is a key component of online ad sales. The company's overall share of the U.S. Internet search market in June jumped 7% from May, while market leader Google saw a decline of 1%. Google dominates the market with nearly a 72% share.

Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division also failed to be profitable. Despite a 27% increase in revenue to $1.6 billion, the division suffered an operating loss of $172 million, 22% higher than a year ago. Much of the operating loss was due to the discontinuation of Microsoft's Kin phones. Poor sales forced the company to drop the devices just two months after launch.