Windows 10?

[Rick Danger]

Surprise surprise. Microsoft actually published descriptions with some of the Optional updates they released today for Windows 8.1. I'll give them a "D" for Effort, up from an "F".

[Ernesto75]

Where do we get them ?

On MS website I suppose.

I went there, but that was the usual 'Get windows 10' and so on.

I noticed you can do one download for several machines.

Also they now propose Windows 10 Entreprise.

So we are coming to 'Windows 10 for everyone including at work'.

[DTravel]

I think that MS' corporate philosophy is still "Take Over The World". They have always been underhanded to some degree about stifling competition and trying to force all computer users to "do things the MS way". (See my earlier post in this thread about MS modifying standards for an example.)

A constant I've noticed in MS' products is they are trying to be everything to everyone in a single one-size-fits-all package. In the minds of those in charge at MS the ideal is NO installed software on an OS. They want Windows to be the ONLY program on your computer and have it do everything. It is definitely not their goal to sell "just" an operating system that you can then run the programs you want on. They want to build a Hydraulic Empire ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_empire ) replacing water with computers.

The implications of this are very troubling to me.

[Rick Danger]

Once more membership in the Patch Management Mailing List bears fruit.

The lone Windows X update in this list keeps this post on topic!

The bulk of these updates are for Windows 8.1; there is a single update for Windows 7, one for Windows Server 2012, and the aforementioned update (cumulative) for Win X.

Emin <emin.atac@gmail.com>
To Patch Management Mailing List Today at 4:21 AM
New non-security content:

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3034348)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 2039KB
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 3381KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 1731KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3034348
"Access denied" error when you use a Windows Store app to configure printer property settings in Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3034348

Update for Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Server 2012 (KB3058163)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8, Windows RT*, and Windows Server 2012
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8 update: ~ 4896KB
Windows 8/Windows Server 2012 x64 update: ~ 4347KB
Windows RT update: ~ 3510KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3058163
Activation doesn't work if the sppsvc.exe process doesn't start automatically in Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3058163

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3078405)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 102KB
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 91KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 96KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3078405
"0x0000004A" or "0x0000009F" Stop error occurs in Windows 8.1
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3078405

Update for Windows 7 (KB3081954)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 7
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 7 x64 update: ~ 1210KB
Windows 7 update: ~ 968KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3081954
Update for Work Folders improvements in Windows 7 SP1
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3081954

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3087418)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 495KB
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 949KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 459KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3087418
Hebrew text is reversed in Visio 2013 on Windows 8.1-based devices
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3087418

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3091297)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 192KB
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 132KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 135KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3091297
You can't logon to an AD FS server from a Windows Store app on a Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 device
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3091297

Update for Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3094486)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 71KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3094486
KDS service doesn't start if domain controllers are located in a child OU in Windows Server 2012 R2
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3094486

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows RT (KB3095108)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows RT*
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1 x64 update: ~ 72KB
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 71KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 73KB
Windows 8 x64 update: ~ 78KB
Windows 8 update: ~ 79KB
Windows RT update: ~ 70KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3095108
Updated APN database entry for Transatel (France, Worldwide) network for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095108

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 (KB3095649)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 1935KB
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 1660KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 1682KB
Windows 7 update: ~ 1147KB
Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 update: ~ 1522KB
Windows Server 2008 R2 IA-64 update: ~ 2966KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3095649
Win32k.sys update in Windows: October 2015
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095649

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3095701)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 91KB
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 102KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 100KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3095701
TPM 2.0 device can't be recognized in Windows Server 2012 R2
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095701

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3096433)
Locale: All
Deployment: Optional/Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog
Classification: Updates, Non-Security
Target platforms: Windows 8.1, Windows RT* 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 8.1 update: ~ 235KB
Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2 x64 update: ~ 467KB
Windows RT 8.1 update: ~ 245KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3096433
Chkdsk command freezes when it's running in Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3096433

Update for Windows 10 (KB3105514)
Locale: All
Deployment: Catalog
Classification: High Priority, Non-Security
Supersedes: MS15-106 (KB3097617) on Windows 10
Target platforms: Windows 10
Approximate file sizes:
Windows 10 update: ~ 228866KB
Windows 10 for x64-based Systems update: ~ 508968KB
Description:
Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3105514
Cumulative update for Windows 10: October 20, 2015
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3105514

[Ernesto75]

Rick Danger,

Thank you. Your post is very impressive, but...

I gather there is something for Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and even Windows 10.
This must be important. Important for Microsoft ?

So, personnally, I feel doubly concerned (Windows 7 and Windows 10).

But before I download (dumbly should I say) from Microsoft website, I would like to know more, like a sum up, for example, but not the version given by Microsoft.
They lie too much, how can we believe their fairy tales ?

You said (or should I say MS said) :
- Install this update to resolve issues in Windows.
- For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated
Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information.
- After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

Well, exactly which are these issues ?

There is almost not a day without a change on my machine, I agree when it is done to correct a programming mistake, but I nevertheless grow sincerely worried. After all my machine worked fine when I bought it.

Again, thank you for your efforts.

[Rick Danger]

OK, let's establish a few things.

First, the source of this information is an independent source: the Patch Management Mailing List. They are IT professionals around the world. There is no subscription fee. There is no affiliation with Microsoft, any magazine, consultancy, or other corporate entity. The individuals who are part of this mailing list are the people who have to maintain computers and servers for their own enterprise, institution or agency. To be blunt, this is as objective a source of information that I can find.

By the way, if you remember this post:

Originally Posted by RLG118

Petition: What computer users want changed in Windows 10

https://www.change.org/p/satya-nadel...ail_responsive

The author of this petition, Susan Bradley is a contributor to the Patch Management Mailing List, and she actually started the petition with the members of the Mailing List.

Secondly, Microsoft like any other software vendor publishes CRITICAL updates and OPTIONAL updates. Critical updates are generally associated with reported software bugs or security vulnerabilities that have been researched and published by the vendor and/or independent sources. For example, here is an alert from the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT):

Apple Releases Security Updates for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers
Original release date: October 15, 2015

Apple has released security updates for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers for OS and iOS to address multiple vulnerabilities. Exploitation of some of these vulnerabilities may allow a remote attacker to take control of an affected system.

Available updates include:

Keynote 6.6, Pages 5.6, and Numbers 3.6 for OS X Yosemite v10.10.4 or later
Keynote 6.6, Pages 5.6, and Numbers 3.6 for iOS v8.4 or later

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Apple security updates (link is external) for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers and apply the necessary updates.

Such Critical updates are important. I will typically review such updates and if they apply to my system(s) I will apply them as quickly as possible. In the case of security vulnerabilities often times the discovery and publishing of information on the threat comes before the availability of the fix, so there is time to evaluate the threat and the urgency to apply the solution.

Optional updates are indeed that: OPTIONAL. They may or may not apply to you. You may not have the software or feature that is referenced by the update. You may not have the problem that the update is designed to fix. Basically, whether you apply the update is your option.

What has been going on the last few months (and liberally discussed in this thread) is that Microsoft has not been sharing information on what is contained in their Optional updates. Therefore Windows users and support personnel had no objective way of determining whether these updates should be applied or not, nor any idea what they actually contained. Even the professionals on the PM mailing list were howling. Some took the time to try and research these patches, and would share their findings with the rest of us. But the idea that they should be doing Microsoft's work for them didn't sit well with them. Hence, Susan Bradley's petition.

The suspicion is that Microsoft stopped publishing details on their Optional updates so that they could "hide" their deployment of things like the Windows X pre-installs. Of course Redmond has denied this but it's pretty plain that this is the truth of the matter.

To sum this up, I would not recommend applying any update that you do not feel either applies to you and your system, or for which there are inadequate details. Typically, Critical updates are usually supported by descriptive documentation. But even here you must use your own judgement. For example, since I removed Internet Explorer from my Windows 8.1 system I feel no need to apply Critical updates related to IE.

I am sure there are some who might argue that they so mistrust Microsoft that they will not apply any updates, even the Critical ones. I don't agree with that extreme a view. Critical updates are necessary to protect the security of your computer. How long any of us keep running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 8.1 after Microsoft stops providing such updates is the primary issue as to when you might update to a new operating system. If you mistrust Microsoft that much, then basically you need to move to ChromeOS, Linux, iOS. But the same rules will apply there are well.

I hope this helps.

[Ernesto75]

Rick Danger.

Originally Posted by Rick Danger

OK, let's establish a few things.
...
Secondly, Microsoft like any other software vendor publishes CRITICAL updates and OPTIONAL updates. Critical updates are generally associated with reported software bugs or security vulnerabilities that have been researched and published by the vendor and/or independent sources. For example, here is an alert from the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT):

Such Critical updates are important. I will typically review such updates and if they apply to my system(s) I will apply them as quickly as possible. In the case of security vulnerabilities often times the discovery and publishing of information on the threat comes before the availability of the fix, so there is time to evaluate the threat and the urgency to apply the solution.

Optional updates are indeed that: OPTIONAL. They may or may not apply to you. You may not have the software or feature that is referenced by the update. You may not have the problem that the update is designed to fix. Basically, whether you apply the update is your option.

What has been going on the last few months (and liberally discussed in this thread) is that Microsoft has not been sharing information on what is contained in their Optional updates.

...

The suspicion is that Microsoft stopped publishing details on their Optional updates so that they could "hide" their deployment of things like the Windows X pre-installs. Of course Redmond has denied this but it's pretty plain that this is the truth of the matter.

...

I am sure there are some who might argue that they so mistrust Microsoft that they will not apply any updates, even the Critical ones. I don't agree with that extreme a view. Critical updates are necessary to protect the security of your computer. How long any of us keep running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 8.1 after Microsoft stops providing such updates is the primary issue as to when you might update to a new operating system. If you mistrust Microsoft that much, then basically you need to move to ChromeOS, Linux, iOS. But the same rules will apply there are well.

I hope this helps.

As I said:

But before I download (dumbly should I say) from Microsoft website, I would like to know more, like a sum up, for example, but not the version given by Microsoft.

What I asked for was if you could tell us in a few words, what is involved really in that gigantic update.
I mean at the same time we have updates for all systems starting with Windows 7.
There must be a major reason for this.

I do not think this is done only to protect us.

If this were the case they would not fail telling it.

Or else I missed something and I do not understand the game (which is possible).

And yes, you are right, I totally mistrust Microsoft.
I do not use Internet Explorer neither use their tools.
But for the moment I have to accept their systems.
That is a professional constraint.

I keep in mind there has never been as many updates than since the last three months.

What I would like is being able to evaluate the pros and cons of doing this update.
At least I would like to know they really offer an update as a precaution.
But I try to avoid having to peruse Microsoft's explanations; this is a waste of time.

Security is my primary concern.

As to switching to Linux I really consider it.

Best regards.

[Rick Danger]

What I asked for was if you could tell us in a few words, what is involved really in that gigantic update

Gigantic?

The post represents a total of ONLY nine updates, excluding the cumulative update to Windows 10 and the update to Windows Server 2012. On a single Tuesday in April Microsoft released thirty four Optional Updates. If you are seeing more than the nine updates I detailed, you needed to share that information.

Back in April, one writer for ZDNet.com weighed in on those thirty four updates:

Today's list is much larger than normal, with 34 patches all rated Optional, meaning they will not be installed automatically. You have to open Windows Update and manually select one or more updates to install them.

Not all of these updates are applicable to every Windows version, of course. If your PC runs Windows 7, you get off relatively easy, with a maximum of six updates in the pipeline. (My test PC running Windows 7 Enterprise only had three updates available.)

On a newer device, though, you'll have a longer list to sort through. I counted 20 fresh updates on my Windows 8.1 desktop. Virtually all of them are tiny. The total download for all 20 patches was only 20 MB.

Most of today's patches represent fixes for relatively obscure conditions, including hardware combinations you probably don't own. On systems where the update doesn't apply, you should be able to install it anyway and not see any adverse consequences. If you'd prefer not to install one or more updates, you can open the desktop Control Panel, right-click on an update, and choose the option to hide it.

There must be a major reason for this.

There is nothing "major", "critical", or "important" about any of these updates. Most likely these relatively MINOR updates were bundled together and released when Microsoft considered the "bucket" to be filled.

Originally Posted by Rick Danger

To sum this up, I would not recommend applying any update that you do not feel either applies to you and your system, or for which there are inadequate details. Typically, Critical updates are usually supported by descriptive documentation. But even here you must use your own judgement.

In my post I provided the links by which can be used to obtain the following details that I now provide. I also spent time checking various trusted sources on the Internet for any details concerning these Optional updates. In my opinion, the fact that professional sources are not engaging in any conversations about these latest updates underscores how relatively minor these updates are considered to be.

I have included information on the Windows 10 update to stay on topic, but I have deleted the reference to the Windows Server 2012 update included in my previous post:

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3034348)
"Access denied" error when you use a Windows Store app to configure printer property settings in Windows
This issue occurs when you use the Windows Store device apps (WSDA) to write values for the queue property bag for printers. The issue occurs because a call that sets printer settings does not have admin access to the printer. Therefore, the Windows Store app cannot write values to the queue property bags.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3034348

Update for Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Server 2012 (KB3058163)
Activation doesn't work if the sppsvc.exe process doesn't start automatically in Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012
This issue occurs because the Task Scheduler does not correctly trigger certain events, including the rescheduling of events, when the computer is started after an overdue task. Therefore, the Software Protection Platform service (sppsvc.exe) does not start.
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3058163

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3078405)
"0x0000004A" or "0x0000009F" Stop error occurs in Windows 8.1
This issue occurs on a computer that is running Windows 8.1 if one of the following conditions is true:
The computer is docked, and it uses local area network (LAN). Then, you undock the computer, and switch to Wi-Fi.
USB devices are connected.
Power transitions, such as you wake the computer from sleep
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3078405

Update for Windows 7 (KB3081954)
Update for Work Folders improvements in Windows 7 SP1
This update adds telemetry data points to Work Folders for Asimov telemetry pipeline in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1). This update also supports users to continue using Work Folders after they upgrade from Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 10.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3081954

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3087418)
Hebrew text is reversed in Visio 2013 on Windows 8.1-based devices
When you print Hebrew text in Visio 2013, the printed Hebrew letters are reversed, its direction is changed from "Right to left" to "Left to right".
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3087418

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3091297)
You can't logon to an AD FS server from a Windows Store app on a Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 device
This article describes an issue in which you can't logon to an Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) server from a Windows Store app on a device that's running Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, or Windows Server 2012 R2. An update is available to fix this issue. This issue occurs when the Windows Store app uses the Web Authentication Broker APIs. When this issue occurs, the Web Authentication Broker crashes.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3091297

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows RT (KB3095108)
Updated APN database entry for Transatel (France, Worldwide) network for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8
This update adds a new entry in the APN database for the Transatel (France, Worldwide) network so that users can connect to the network without manually entering connection settings. Note The Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 APN database contains information that's provided by mobile operators to enable Windows to automatically connect to the operators' mobile broadband networks. For more information, see APN database.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095108

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 (KB3095649)
Win32k.sys update in Windows: October 2015
Issues fixed in this update
Removes the Touch Hardware Quality Assurance (THQA) certification verification check in the Win32k.sys driver in Windows 8.1.
Font files remain open by the system, and can't be deleted when they're used in a call to CreateScalableFontResource in Windows Server 2012 R2.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095649

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3095701)
TPM 2.0 device can't be recognized in Windows Server 2012 R2
An issue that occurs on a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 device in Windows Server 2012 R2. The TPM driver doesn't recognize a TPM 2.0 device with an ACPI table that uses a revision value of 4. The TPM driver is expecting a value of 3.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095701

Update for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB3096433)
Chkdsk command freezes when it is run in Windows
Note This update is identical to update 3013810.
This issue occurs when system metadata or file metadata is corrupted in Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, or Windows Server 2012 R2.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3096433

Update for Windows 10 (KB3105514)
Cumulative update for Windows 10: October 20, 2015
This update includes improvements to enhance the functionality of Windows 10.
Windows 10 updates are cumulative. Therefore, this package contains all previously-released fixes (see KB3097617). If you've installed previous updates, only the new fixes that are contained in this package will be downloaded and installed to your computer. This update replaces the previously released update KB3097617.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3105514

But I try to avoid having to peruse Microsoft's explanations; this is a waste of time.

Something must serve as your foundation for evaluating whether you should or should not apply any given update. The IT professionals that sent the petition to the CEO of Microsoft asking (among other things) for full details about Microsoft updates did so because they rely on such information to evaluate such updates. Clearly they don't consider it a waste of time reading such explanations. You shouldn't either.

As to switching to Linux I really consider it.

I have posted in this thread enough references, including books, websites, and authors that you should be exploring to improve your knowledge and ability to understand and make these critical decisions for yourself. Before you consider switching to Linux, or for that matter maintaining whatever Windows system(s) you certainly use, you have a lot of homework you need to do.

TO SUMMARIZE: THESE WINDOWS OPTIONAL UPDATES PUBLISHED BY MICROSOFT ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 20TH ARE OF MINOR IMPORTANCE. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE ISSUES OUTLINED HERE THEN APPLY THE APPROPRIATE UPDATE OR UPDATES AT YOUR DISCRETION.

[Misrule]

I hope you are going to continue, Rick Danger. Possibly, this impasse is a result of misunderstanding of language rather than rudeness. Certainly, you have no responsibility to provide professional assistance to users here, but this forum (and this thread) are built on voluntary assistance to others.
I'm sure I speak for many when I hope that you will continue to contribute at whatever level you feel comfortable and that others' expectations don't deter you. Your contributions have been massively helpful to me and much appreciated.

[m100]

rick please please continue posting. Without your posts i would blindly have downloaded one of those KB updates that would have led to being attacked by windows 10 as it is I've just had the sense to track down an admittedly cheap (but it will happily do all i need it to) windows 7 machine rather than become another victim of world intrussion enterprises inc.