Microsoft distributes free CDs in Japan to patch Windows

Mon Aug 25 07:09:42 UTC 2003

As some of you know, the standard Microsoft OS distribution sold
in stores on CD is a year or so old, and doesn't include any recent
patches.  You needed to download recent patches from Microsoft's
web site.  Unfortunately, with the latest round of worms, Windows
doesn't survive on the net long enough to downdload patches.

In Japan, Microsoft will be distributing "free" CD's with patches
through its distribution channels, eletrical appliance and personal
computer shops.  The anti-virus vendors are apparently packaging their
wares along with the Microsoft patches. Symantec and Trend will be the
first.

Symantec is distributing 15,000 CDs on Wednesday, and Trend Micro is
distributing 10,000 CDs on Thursday.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20030823b2.htm

No word if Microsoft will be distributing any patch CDs in the USA.
However, many universities have created their own CDs for students
moving into dorms.  It is the start of the school year in in North
America, and high speed network connections and new unpatched Microsoft
Windows on computers are a bad combination.