Microsoft released patches and updates Tuesday for the month of December. There are four security patches and three other updates. So far, there have been no major issues with installing the updates.

I recommend that you run Microsoft Updates or Windows Updates and install these updates soon.

For more information about the patches and updates, see the list below.

Security Patches

MS08-071: Vulnerabilities in GDI could allow remote code execution
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956802

MS08-073: Cumulative security update for Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958215

MS08-075: Vulnerabilities in Windows Search could allow remote code Execution
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/959349

MS08-076: Description of the security update for Windows Media Services 4.1, Windows Media Services 9 Series, and Windows Media Services 2008: December 9, 2008
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/952068

Other Updates

December 2008 cumulative time zone update for Microsoft Windows operating systems
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955839

December 2008 Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Application Compatibility Update
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957388

Severe system performance problems occur on a Windows Vista-based computer after you install HP Digital Imaging Monitor 6.0
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/960763

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When Vista invokes the User Access Control (UAC), the screen is dimmed or darkened except for the open dialog box. When the UAC in invoked, the system goes into what is called Secure Desktop.

The purpose of the Secure Desktop is to stop viruses and malware from clicking OK and infecting your system.

To disable this feature, just click the Vista start icon and then select Run.

In the run dialog box, type: regedit

Now navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, SOFTWARE, Microsoft, Windows, CurrentVersion, Policies, System, PromptOnSecureDesktop.

In the right pane, right click on PromptOnSecureDesktop and select modify. In the Edit window, change the 1 to a 0 in the Value data box.

Click OK, and then close the registry. That’s it, the darking of the screen will not happen any longer. Remember, the UAC Secure Desktop is a security feature. So think twice before disabling it. Also, the registry is very important and incorrect edits may result in undesirable results. Back up your registry before editing.

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