What's An Update Number?

by Wayne Porter

What's an Update Number?

The update number listed on the security bulletins corresponds to the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article ID number. The Microsoft Knowledge Base is a database of technical articles about Microsoft products and technologies. These articles range from "how to" articles that describe how to complete a specific task to "bug" articles that document known issues with Microsoft products. Knowing what the update number is can make it easier for you to manage, track, and learn more about the updates that you need for your computer.

On the Windows Update Web site. When you scan your computer for available updates, the Windows Update Web site often displays a number along with the title of the update, for example, "Update for Windows Media Player 9 Series (KB837272)." MSFT includes this KB number in the security bulletins as the update number to help you identify the corresponding update on the Windows Update Web site. On your own computer.

?If you have Automatic Updates enabled, you may not be aware of all the software updates that are being installed on your computer. Each update that is installed can be found in the Currently installed programs list in the Control Panel program to Add or Remove Programs. The name of each of these updates includes the KB number (the numbers may be preceded by the letters KB or Q). If the update number on the security bulletin matches the number listed on your computer, then you already have the update you need for that bulletin. Having the update number can be useful if you are checking to see if you have the necessary update to help protect against a circulating worm or virus.

Unless otherwise noted this article is Copyright © 2010 by FaceTime Communications, Inc. This article may not be resold, reprinted, or redistributed for compensation of any kind without prior written permission from FaceTime Communications, Inc. For reprint or media inquires please contact us with the phrase "Spyware Guide Articles" in the subject line and we will by happy to assist you. Links to this article from other websites are appreciated and encouraged. Users are also encouraged to utilize our RSS system to provide unique content and extracts for their site.

Read other articles (back to full list)