On the upside for Microsoft, that will bring the --four fewer than the 78 security bulletins released in 2008. Of course, some patches correct multiple flaws and vulnerabilities, so the number of security bulletins is not an exact measure of the number of vulnerabilities patched.

Let's take a quick look at what to expect from Microsoft next week.

There are three security bulletins rated as Critical, and three rated as Important. The Critical security bulletins affect Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and Internet Explorer, while the Important security bulletins impact only Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.

Five of the security issues could potentially be exploited to allow remote execution of malicious code. Translated, that means the attacker could take control of the vulnerable PC over the Internet and install additional malicious software and tools. Several will require that the PC be rebooted to complete the installation of the applicable updates.