Bad MS update Dec 10

[George Tyndall]

Just saw that the IE 11 cumulative security patch (KB 3008923) has a problem. That one is listed in the screen capture you posted. Microsoft released a patch today (KB 3025930) to fix it, but it hasn't shown up in Windows Update yet.

It's Dec. 23, and I still don't see the 5930 fix in Windows Update.

While waiting, do you recommend proceeding to download and install all except 8923 in the above snip?

Thank you.

[Bob]

I did and I haven't encountered any problems so far.

[George Tyndall]

I did and I haven't encountered any problems so far.

Today, 2015 0120, Woody still has the following on his site:

2015 0120.JPG

Do you agree that none of the following should be updated at the present time, including malicious software removal tool?

Windows 2015 0120.JPG

Thank you.

[Bob]

I have the Internet Explorer 11 patch (kb3008923) and the January Malicious Software Removal Tool applied, but otherwise my Windows update is the same as yours. The other patches I'm going to let bake a little longer.

[Bob]

With a few caveats, Woody is now recommending installing the outstanding patches. See the article for details: http://www.askwoody.com/2015/msdefcon-4-caveats-install-outstanding-microsoft-patches/. As always, do not install any patches that are unchecked.

[George Tyndall]

With a few caveats, Woody is now recommending ....

He also recommends using Chrome and Firefox rather than IE.

I use Chrome and Firefox, and only pull out IE when I feel very inclined — but even if you don’t use IE, you need to keep up with its patches.

Do you agree?

[Bob]

If you are on Windows XP using IE 6 I agree. If you on Windows 7 or 8 using IE 11 I disagree.

Older versions of IE are not particularly secure. That's a problem for Windows XP which doesn't support the newer versions of IE. You should definitely use another browser if you are still using Windows XP. IE 11 is a far more secure browser. If you turn on the security features, it's a perfectly acceptable browser.

You should always keep IE current whether you use it or not. Parts of it are embedded in Windows itself. And, other applications can use those embedded facilities (such as the html render engine) too. Some people complain that Microsoft doesn't provide patches fast enough. But, if you have decent antivirus/anti-malware software installed and you are taking advantage of Smartscreen (or your antivirus equivalent) and use activex filtering, you're less likely to be impacted.

Chrome and FireFox are good browsers too. I have Chrome installed for those few sites that have problems displaying correctly in IE. But, I personally prefer the IE interface.

Microsoft will be introducing a new browser in Windows 10 codenamed Spartan. We'll have to wait a bit longer to see how that will compare. I understand IE 11 will be provided for backwards compatibility.

[Peru]

I have found that Chrome will no longer work with my XP machines (I have five of them). It will not update. I have to use either Firefox or (shudder) IE.
My Windows 7 machines work fine with either Chrome, Firefox, or IE.

[George Tyndall]

I have the Internet Explorer 11 patch (kb3008923) and the January Malicious Software Removal Tool applied, but otherwise my Windows update is the same as yours. The other patches I'm going to let bake a little longer.

Are you still waiting, as Woody continues to recommend?

Thank you.

[Bob]

Yes.