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Windows XP Hotfixes
KB873339 - Vulnerability in HyperTerminal could allow code execution

KB884575 - Battery power may be drained more quickly than expected on Windows XP-based laptop

KB885836 - Vulnerability in WordPad could allow code execution
Read the rest of this entry »

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Release dates
When looking down the release dates for Windows, you may notice that some months have no listing. The exact causes for missing months can vary, but there generally four main reasons:

* Microsoft did not release any security patches for a particular operating system in that month.
* Some patches were released, but they are not needed if you have the latest service pack installed.
* Earlier patches have been included in a Service Pack (or Rollup package).
* Patches were superseded by newer releases. Read the rest of this entry »

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List of frequently seen TCP and UDP ports and what they mean. The goal of this port table is to point to further resources for more information. Read the list click on read more.. Read the rest of this entry »

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Applies to:
Windows XP with Service Pack 2

Requirements
Windows XP with Service Pack 2

Author/Supplier
Microsoft



File Name
Various

File Size
20MB

KB921503

KB938829

KB938127

KB936782

KB937143


Description
The August 2007 patches for Windows XP are listed below. They fix many security holes in Windows XP - including problems listed as critical.

Important note: In August 2007, Microsoft released a complicated update involving the Microsoft XML Core Services files. The correct patch to apply depends upon: the version of the XML Core Services installed (there are four different releases) and the version of Windows and/or Microsoft Office installed on your computer. All up, there are over 30 possible combinations and around 20 different patches for this single problem. Consequently, we have linked to the Microsoft support document that gives further details, rather than supplying download links for the ridiculous number of patches involved. Click on the last item in this list to be taken to the relevant Microsoft support page (it opens in a new Window). According to Microsoft, the XML security issue is critical. In addition, the other three patches should be applied as they are listed as Critical.
KB921503 - Vulnerability in OLE Automation could allow remote code execution
KB938829 - Vulnerability in GDI could allow remote code execution
KB937143 - Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP
KB938127 - Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP
KB936782 - Vulnerability in Windows Media Player 11 could allow remote code execution
Microsoft XML Core Services support document at Microsoft with patch instructions
Note: The patches above are only for the Windows XP operating system and XP components listed above. Optional updates and critical releases for Office or other Microsoft products are not included.

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Applies to:
Windows Vista

Requirements
Windows Vista

Author/Supplier
Microsoft



File Name
Various

File Size
17MB

KB937143

KB938127

KB936782

KB938123


Description
The August 2007 patches for Windows Vista are listed below. They fix many security holes in Windows Vista - including problems listed as critical.

Important note: In August 2007, Microsoft released a complicated update involving the Microsoft XML Core Services files. The correct patch to apply depends upon: the version of the XML Core Services installed (there are four different releases) and the version of Windows and/or Microsoft Office installed on your computer. All up, there are over 30 possible combinations and around 20 different patches for this single problem. Consequently, we have linked to the Microsoft support document that gives further details, rather than supplying download links for the ridiculous number of patches involved. Click on the last item in this list to be taken to the relevant Microsoft support page (it opens in a new Window). According to Microsoft, the XML security issue is critical. In addition, the other three patches should be applied as they are listed as Critical.
KB937143 - Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista
KB938127 - Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows Vista
KB936782 - Vulnerability in Windows Media Player 11 for Vista could allow remote code execution
KB938123 - Vulnerability in Windows Gadgets could allow remote code execution
Microsoft XML Core Services support document at Microsoft with patch instructions
Note: The patches above are only for the Windows Vista operating system and Vista components listed above. Optional updates and critical releases for Office or other Microsoft products are not included.

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Requirements
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista

Author/Supplier
Roboform


File Size
2MB

File Name
AiRoboForm.exe

[Click here to download]

Licence
Free

Description
AI Roboform 6 is a password manager and security assistant for Web pages. As you visit more pages across the Web, they continually ask for user IDs, passwords, e-mail addresses and other information. Keeping track of all this can become a problem and some people end up using the same password and user IDs for all sites. The trouble is that this can create a security problem. If someone finds out this combination, then they can get access to all your accounts. On a less sinister note, filling out forms is tedious and Internet Explorer’s AutoComplete has its problems. Many times it retains information you don’t want, and then it seems to forget certain entries (this is due to a quirk with the way fields are labelled on sites).

RoboForm takes care of these problems by securely storing and managing the information for you. It is only 2MB to download and best of all, there is a free version for non-profit/personal use (there is no adware or spyware). It also allows to easily view, edit, copy, rename and delete your passwords in one simple location. When you first install Roboform, it will have all the features of Pro available for 30 days, it will then become the free light version. RoboForm has an option to upgrade to the Pro version, but try the free version first - it may have everything you need. From version 6.8.1, Roboform features support for Firefox 2.0, Windows Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) and Vista.

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Requirements
Windows 2000/XP

Author/Supplier
Skype



File Size
19MB

File Name
SypeSetup.exe

[Click here to download]



Licence
Free

Description
Using your current Internet connection it is possible to make free Internet phones calls. All you need is special software that allows you to use VOIP (for those that love geeky terms, this stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol). VOIP lets you talk to other users over the Web and, depending on your phone system and number dialled, allows computers to call normal telephones. From version 3.0, Skype improves audio quality, features video calls and has a connect with the world option on Skype Public Chats.

VOIP uses your existing internet connection to send and receive the calls. If you have a generous download limit from your ISP it means that calls to anywhere in the world will generally be free. In some cases there is a charge when talking on normal phone handsets - this is because they need to plug into the local telephone exchange at some point. It can still work cheaper because the connection usual occurs at the local exchange, so you can make long distance calls at the lower local rates. Keep in mind that VOIP is so young that you'll need to look carefully at the costs and its limitations. Skype is free, so you can give it a go. At minimum you'll be able to talk with other Skype users across the world and as more VOIP exchanges appear, this will slowly generate new free ways to make calls.

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Applies to:
Windows Vista/XP/2000

Requirements
Windows Vista/XP/2000

Author/Supplier
Sun


File Name
jre-6u2-windows-i586-p-s.exe

File Size
14MB

[Click here to download]


Description
This latest release of Sun's Java Virtual Machine (JVM) can be used to update an earlier version or install the entire JVM for the first time. Version 6 adds support for Windows Vista. This is the standalone package - you download a single file that can be run at any time, used on multiple machines or new installation of Windows.

Note: The other way to install the Sun JVM requires a computer to be connected to the Web and then use 'active download' where a smaller downloading program updates your system. This process means you can't backup the file you download, plus you can't use it multiple PCs. That's why the standalone package is a better option. This complete download should also help avoid error codes such as: 1305, 2755, 1606 and a bunch of others that are all a result of incomplete/corrupted downloads.

Note: This release also fixes several critical security holes found in the software. Sun advises all users to update the JVM immediately.

JVM allows you to run programs called 'applets' inside your Web browser. Applets are mini-programs written in the Java language specifically to run within a Web browser. Many, though not all, web browsers come with support for applets built in. By downloading this update, you will be ensured that you have the latest release which, most importantly, contains fewer security holes and is generally more stable.

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Applies to:
Colin McRae Dirt

Requirements
Colin McRae Dirt

Author/Supplier
Codemasters


File Size
53MB

File Name
Dirt_1_2.zip

[Click here to Download]


Description
Codemasters have released the Colin McRae Dirt 1.2 patch download to fix some bugs in the game. In includes all the fixes from the previous 1.1 update and features the following improvements:
Fixed a bug where some saved games were being corrupted during the save process. Saved games were only usable by the PC and user that created them.
Includes a new set of leaderboards. These are separate to the existing leaderboards which will remain visible for people playing version 1.0 or 1.1.

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Applies to:
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (US Version)

Requirements
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (US version, running on Windows)

Author/Supplier
Ubi Soft


File Size
236MB

File Name
rainbow_six_vegas_1.05.exe

[Click here to Download]


Description
This update for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 - Vegas can be applied to any earlier version of the game (including patched versions). The 1.05 update features the following bug fixes and game improvements:


Added widescreen support for the game
Assassination and Conquest game modes added
You can now customize your name in LAN games.
Added Standalone Dedicated Server support (see R6VegasServerReadme.txt)
Enabled PunkBuster support.
Fixed a crash when player is kicked from server.
Fixed a crash when fetching online matches (quick and custom search).
Fixed a crash/freeze that occurred after many games have been played.
Fixed a problem when switching from Online to LAN mode.
Fixed the freeze issue after the Unreal logo related to the Language for non-Unicode programs setting.
Throwing a grenade on a player using a turret will now apply damage.
Removed Eye Adaptation.
Radar jammer now jams all players.
Fixed map rotation issue on dedicated servers.
Fixed the choppy Ubisoft logo animation when the game starts.
Reduced lag with in-game videos on certain computers.
Many Tutorial-related inaccuracies have been corrected.
Fixed a dedicated server crash related to equipment.
Fixed the cursor being stuck in desktop sub-react after an ALT-TAB.
Version number will now be displayed to the user in the main menu.
Fixed a bug while observing a game where while using the joystick, the A button was not displayed properly.
Fixed controller problem where wrong button was assigned to exit turrets.
Fixed the missing grenades and ammo when going from Realistic to Normal mode.

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Applies to:
Civilization IV

Requirements
Civilization IV

Author/Supplier
Firaxis

File Size
46MB

File Name
Civ4Patch1.74_Final.exe

[Click here to Download]

Description
This latest patch for Civilization IV (also called Civilization 4 or Civ 4) can be applied only to the retail version of Civilization IV (and not the demo). It includes a huge number of tweaks and fixes including:
Added Africa, Europe, East Asia, Eastern US and South America maps
PitBoss no longer crashes on victory
ATI issue Failed to Init Renderer Fixed
Multiplayer Lobby list jump problem and lobby crash fixed
fixed war weariness calculation bug.
units maintain their name when upgraded
fixed Gold-for-Gold diplo exploit.
fixed no research choice overflow exploit.
Fix for voice initialization crash
Fix addressing takeover AI and retirement OOS.
increased cost of Apollo Program
Include WB map size in the description field
Save login name
Added password encryption
Added regenerate Map Button to World builder Map Mode
more logging for init failure
minspec / video memory checking
Added ability to change to and from fullscreen while in-game
holding during startup will clean out the cache
improved bink playback, added ini options
Fixed issue with diplomacy text being always used in its first form in the translator.
Popups, screens, and diplomacy properly cleared when exiting from main menu.
fixed AI units not obeying open borders rules on declaration of war.

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Applies to:
Windows XP, XP 64-bit, Vista (all versions), Windows Server 2003

Requirements
Windows XP, XP 64-bit, Vista (all versions), 2003

Author/Supplier
Microsoft


File Name
directx_aug2007_redist.exe

File Size
58MB

[Click here to download]


Description
DirectX 9.0c will help improve multimedia experiences on most PCs. This latest version of DirectX offers better security, updated graphics, faster frame rates, and support for massively multiplayer games. It also features more immersive audio when running and displaying programs rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3-D animation and surround sound. If you had an earlier version of DirectX installed on your system, you will see little difference in available space on your hard drive following the installation. DirectX 9.0c will overwrite any earlier versions. This release also resolves a number of minor bugs and includes security updates.

Important notes:
This is the 'redist' version of DirectX - all files are downloaded in one package (rather than an active download).
Instructions: make a system backup or restore point. Double-click on the file once the download has completed. You will be asked where you want to place the extracted files. This is a temporary folder only - you can delete these files once the Direct X 9.0c installation has completed. Now go to that temporary folder. There will be lots of files in there - run DXSETUP.exe and wait for it to complete the installation. Restart you computer if required. Now you can delete the files in the temporary folder. For future use, you can keep the file you downloaded or simply delete it - it doesn't matter.
DirectX is a crucial system component. It cannot be uninstalled without reinstalling your operating system (!) or performing a system restore/system recovery.
To determine what version is current installed on your system and other tips about DirectX, see our guide here.
This version of DirectX was released August 2007.

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File Size
5.5MB

File Name
Shockwave_Installer_Full.exe

Author/Supplier
Macromedia

[Click here to Download]


Description
Macromedia's Shockwave Player allows you to view interactive web content like games, business presentations, entertainment and advertisements (just what the Web needs - more ways to view ads!). The package includes both Shockwave and Flash Players and is a stand alone installation. You can download the file to install at a later date or use it to reinstall the player on a fresh version of Windows. The single download package makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and you don't have to go through the active download process each time you need to install the player.

According to a Macromedia security bulletins, Shockwave Player 10.2.0.022 fixes security problems. They say that critical vulnerabilities have been identified that could allow an attacker who successfully exploits these vulnerabilities to take control of the affected system. Adobe categorises this as a critical update and recommends affected users update to version 10.2.0.022.

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Requirements
Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape
Get the Internet Explorer version here

Author/Supplier
Adobe (Macromedia)


File Size
1.4MB

File Name
install_flash_player.exe

[Click here to download]



Licence
Free

Description
Adobe's Flash Player allows you to view interactive web content like games, business presentations, entertainment and those things we all adore so much - advertisements. The package includes only the Flash Player and is a stand alone installation (Adobe bought Macromedai, that's why the name is different). You can download the file to install at a later date or use it to reinstall the player on a fresh version of Windows. The single download package makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and you don't have to go through the active download process each time you need to install the player. Technically, this is a Flash Player ActiveX Control. It will only play the file through your Web browser.

Note: this version is for Firefox/Mozilla/Netscape only. You can download the Internet Explorer version here

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File Size
4MB

File Name
install_flash_player_active_x.msi

Author/Supplier
Adobe

[Click here to Download]


Description
The Adobe (formerly Macromedia) Flash Player allows you to view interactive web content like Youtube, games, business presentations, entertainment and those things we all adore so much - advertisements. The package includes only the Flash Player and is a stand alone installation. You can download the file to install at a later date or use it to reinstall the player on a fresh version of Windows. The single download package makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and you don't have to go through the active download process each time you need to install the player. Technically, this is a Flash Player ActiveX Control. It will only play the file through your Web browser (Internet Explorer). If you want to view downloaded flash and shockwave content at another time, you will need the Shockwave and Flash Player (Complete Standalone Installer).

Note: this version is for Internet Explorer only.

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