Microsoft offers security update CDs

Microsoft Corp. has started taking orders for the Windows Security Update CD, a disc with all critical updates released through October 2003 for various Windows versions.

The CD-ROM is meant especially for Windows users with slow, dial-up Internet connections that can make downloading updates a nightmare. However, because the disc offers updates only through Oct. 15, 2003, Microsoft still recommends users go to the Windows Update Web site to get the latest updates, the company said in a statement.

The move to make update discs available worldwide follows an initiative by Microsoft in Japan where thousands of security update CDs were given away last year in the wake of a spate of virus and worm attacks.

Users in various countries can order the Windows Security Update CD at no cost; shipping will take between two and four weeks. As a bonus, the disc includes information on PC protection and free trial versions of antivirus and firewall software, according to the Microsoft Web site.

The disc is currently available only in select countries. These include the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several countries in Asia, including Japan, India and China. The only European country in which the CD is offered today is the U.K. It will be available in other countries and other languages beginning Feb. 23, Microsoft said.

The Windows Security Update CD is available for Windows XP, Windows Millennium Edition (ME), Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE).

Windows users can request the Windows Security Update CD here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp