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Patch Tuesday is this coming Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Microsoft will release six critical and medium updates for Windows and Internet Explorer that day. There is also a Server Update. The server update will not require a restart but the others do. The Internet Explorer updates will address several security vulnerabilities. Since many if not most problems such as malware come in through the browser, don’t miss this update.
Patch Tuesday refers to the second Tuesday of the month when Microsoft releases the newest updates (or patches) to its operating system. Often the patches are security updates and will make your computer more secure against viruses and hacking. Other patches will just make your Windows or other Microsoft software like Office work better.
Important: Make sure you don’t interrupt the update process once started and to have your laptop plugged in (not on battery power.)
For many of these updates a computer restart is needed to finish the installation process. It is really important to make sure your computer is not turned off in the middle of the update process and is plugged in (not on battery power). During the restart, the installation begins. If the update installation is interrupted by loss of power or being turned off in the middle for any reason your computer may not boot afterward.
Critical note: If you don’t have Windows 8.1 Update of you will not receive anymore updates for Windows 8.1. Read another blog post for more information about this update (8.1).
Another note: Windows XP no longer gets security or any other updates since it is no longer supported by Microsoft.
Microsoft will have a webcast on the latest security bulletins on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 11 am or at noon in Calgary, AB.
Crash Wednesday jokingly refers to the day after Patch Tuesday when many of the updates go wrong and crash the OS. Crash Wednesday is then followed by Repair Thursday when Ducktoes gets many computers in for a botched update process. If you need your computer fixed after the update click here.