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Critical security update includes Windows 7 beta

Microsoft didn't highlight Windows 7 in its summary of affected software for the Patch Tuesday security updates. Spokesman says that's because it's still in beta.

Ina Fried Former Staff writer, CNET News
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley.
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Elinor Mills Former Staff Writer
Elinor Mills covers Internet security and privacy. She joined CNET News in 2005 after working as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Portugal and writing for The Industry Standard, the IDG News Service and the Associated Press.
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Welcome to Patch Tuesday, Windows 7.

Windows Update offered this alert on Wednesday, pointing to a security update for Windows 7. CNET
Microsoft on Tuesday released an update to the Windows 7 beta that closes a critical hole that puts users at risk of having their computers taken over remotely if they view a maliciously crafted image file.

Although the patch was released as part of Patch Tuesday, Microsoft didn't exactly highlight the fact it was updating Windows 7. The security bulletin summary that lists affected software references only Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003, and Server 2008, and it wasn't mentioned in the advance advisory Microsoft released March 5.

However, Windows 7 beta, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 beta, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 beta are mentioned in the accompanying frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of the TechNet bulletin specific to the update (MS09-006).

A Microsoft spokesman said Windows 7 wasn't included among the affected software because it is a beta version.

The Windows 7 patch was noted earlier on Wednesday by Ars Technica.