Critical Updates vs. Security Updates

Though I've asked this question twice before, I've yet to receive an answer.
One more try. Perhaps if I word it differently, some MVP will know what I'm
talking about.

Is "critical update" synonomous with "security update"? Stated otherwise,
are there any critical updates that are not security related? If so, where in
the KB article associated with the latter would one find reference to its
being critical? I noticed that on the XP home page reference is made to
"critical security updates." This leads me to infer that some security
updates may not be "critical." Otherwise, the term is redundant. I do hope
someone understands my question.

 

Based on my understanding of Microsoft terminology, security
updates are always critical updates as they relate to security
vulnerabilities. Critical updates are not always security
updates. Microsoft will release critical updates to fix known
issues arising with the use of their software. Most of the ones
I have seen relate to fixing software bugs that arise from their
release of a product service pack.

 

I need to modifiy my response. Critical updates fix what
Microsoft deems to be critical non-security related bugs in their
offerings. Security updates are issued to fix security
vulnerabilities. All security updates are not critical.
Microsoft rates them either as critical, important, moderate or low.

 

I can only tell you where I have observed it: In the title and
the opening line of the summary.

 

Hi Bob - You might be able to figure out what you need using this tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



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