Microsoft takes orders for security-patch CD

Microsoft is currently taking orders for its security CD, which will contain all the patches and critical updates your PC could want - delivered to your door for free.

As well as code Polyfilla for those security holes, Microsoft will be covering its back with some additional antivirus software and a firewall trial included on the CD. While the Redmond behemoth is taking orders now, you can get yours from Microsoft's website Users preferring a CD will have to wait an additional two to four weeks for the CD to be delivered.

The CD will cover Windows XP, Me, 2000, 98, and 98 Second Edition and will be available to a range of countries, including the US, UK, Japan and India, with more languages and countries to be made available during the next few days.

The CD is aimed at those who have slow dial-up connections or trouble connecting to the internet, allowing them to download and install all the updates in one go without keeping the phone line busy.

Paul Randle, Windows XP product manager, said that the idea for the CD had arisen through requests after the MSBlast virus from customers with narrowband connections who wanted help with patching.

"There were a lot of people with dial-up connections who had never patched their machines. It's a lengthy process to get their computers current." However, the CD includes only the security updates posted up to 15 October last year - leaving users without several months of critical updates.

Randle said that the five-month gap was due to the design and production time needed for the CD. "Unfortunately it takes that time... This is a step up on the ladder to getting up-to-date. It gets users over the initial barriers," he told silicon.com.

Randle added that Microsoft wasn't expecting huge demand for the CD.