Microsoft has decided to prolong the availability of Windows XP until the end of May 2009, this particular date affects firms which buy and distribute computer systems, but doesn’t affect Netbooks and similarly low-spec laptops which are unable to handle Windows Vista, XP’s replacement. Windows XP will still be available on those machines until 2010.

CRN has reported that a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed the existence of a new flexible inventory program. Distributors now have until the 31 December to submit a forecast to Microsoft of how many Windows XP licenses they expect to need between then and May. They then have to formally order the Windows XP OEM licenses by the original deadline of the 31 Jan 2009, but can continue to take delivery against orders from users until the 30 May 2009.

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After Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) patch. Mozilla has issued eight patches for its Firefox Web browser, three of which fix problems classified as critical. Mozilla defines a critical vulnerability as one that could allow an attacker to run code on a machine in the course of normal Web browsing.

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Microsoft yesterday announced that it will issue an emergency patch today to quash the “critical” Internet Explorer (IE) bug that attackers have been exploiting for more than a week, better late than never!!.

Microsoft also confirmed that attacks could be launched through Outlook Express, the free e-mail client that is provided with Windows XP, attackers could exploit the bug by getting users to open or view malicious messages.

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Microsoft have now confirmed that the un-patched bug in Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) that hackers are now exploiting also exists in older versions of the browser, including the still-widely-used IE6.

In a revised security advisory 961051, Microsoft said research confirmed that the bug is within all its browsers, including those it currently supports — IE5. IE6 and IE7 — as well as the preview version of IE8 Beta 2

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Following my post yesterday Microsoft has now warned users of Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) in a security advisory that attackers are actively exploiting a critical bug in the browser, users are now urged to take countermeasures in lieu of a patch.

Microsoft officially acknowledged the flaw and said:. “We are aware only of limited attacks that attempt to use this vulnerability,” adding that users running IE7 in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 are at risk.

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After Tuesdays major security patch Microsoft today said it’s investigating reports of a new vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE) which remains un-patched, four other “critical” patches in IE were included
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A Microsoft spokesman said today in an e-mail reply to questions: “The updates Microsoft released yesterday do not address this possible vulnerability …. but I can tell you that Microsoft is investigating these new public claims of a possible vulnerability in Internet Explorer.”

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Microsoft has issued yet another major security patch listing 28 vulnerabilities; nearly all of them marked “critical” the top rating in its four-step scoring system. The patches were issued in eight updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, Office, SharePoint, Windows Media, and the company’s most popular development tools, Visual Basic and Visual Studio.

This month’s eight security updates can be downloaded and installed via the Microsoft Update and Windows Update services, as well as through Windows Server Update Services.
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A downgrade is where a customer pays extra money to Dell for them to pre-install a copy of Windows XP on a new computer alongside Windows Vista, the deal is only available to customers buying either the Business or Ultimate edition of Vista.

In fairness to Dell, their costs have increased as they have to pay Microsoft the extra licensing for XP Professional, the only edition of XP eligible for the program, however, it would appear that Dell are trying to maximise profits from Windows XP
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