In a preview of Microsoft's "Patch Tuesday" this coming week, the software company said it will include nine patches, six of which it will rate as "critical". The remaining three are considered "important".
The patches will cover the Windows OS, the Office suite, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and Virtual PC. Of the six critical patches, one is shared between Windows and Office.
It is expected that one or both hot fixes to Windows Vista which were revealed this week, and which cover performance, reliability and compatibility, will also be included on Tuesday.