I have posted the links to the KB958644 security patch on our Answers Website. You can find them here. I have also posted instructions on how to determine if the patch has been installed on your computer. You can find that here.
Generally, Microsoft releases patches on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. This schedule is used to minimize the amount of server and workstation reboots that must be done as this process interrupts businesses. It also gives Microsoft time to properly test the patches against the various configurations of operating systems that are available, a major task.
On occasion Microsoft will release an "Out of Band" patch. The most common reason for an "Out of Band" patch is a serious security related issue. If the issue is serious enough and there are known exploits that are being seen they will release a patch as soon as it is available.
This is the case with a patch that they released on October 23rd. The patch resolves a very serious security issue with all versions of Windows although Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 are a little less of a concern but not immune.
We are in the process of completing in-house testing of the patches on the various operating systems. I believe the patch is safe to apply at this point although there are some potential problems with some configurations of Windows Server 2003. We have fixes for these problems if they should occur. Installing the patch will require a reboot of both workstations and servers.
We are strongly recommending that all our Clients install the patch for their servers and workstations. For Clients that are on our Remote Monitoring Service the patches will be released over the weekend. We will be contacting you early next week to install the patches on your servers and to rebooot the servers. Note that this does not include Clients that are running the free trial of our Monitoring Service.
For Clients that are not covered by Remote Monitoring, we have 2 options. First, simply give us a call and we will take care of it for you. Second, we will be posting the various patches to our Answers Website later today. Please do not attempt to do these patches yourself unless you fully understand how to apply which patch to which operating system. The process is not difficult but you must do it right. We do NOT recommend users install the patch on any servers themselves. Again, the patch WILL require a reboot after it is installed.
As always, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to call us.
In a little bit of a surprise, I have learned that Misys has merged with a company called Allscripts as of today. The new company name is Allscripts. Allscripts has been involved in the medical technology business since 1986. They have several applications and services in various areas of healthcare.
The Misys website has already been changed to reflect the new branding. It is running slow today as I'm sure they are getting many hits.
Here is a link to the merger Press Release.
