Sun Microsystems has issued an update to its Java software that fixes at least one security vulnerability.

Microsoft today pushed out software updates to plug at least eight critical security holes in computers powered by its various Windows operating systems. The patches are available through Windows Update or via Automatic Updates. The flaws were addressed in a bundle of five patches, each of which earned Microsoft’s most dire “critical” rating, meaning they are serious enough that attackers could break into systems without any help from users.

Microsoft expanded its anti-piracy program this week, shipping a new software update that checks whether Office users are running a licensed or pirated version of the productivity suite. Windows users who have Automatic Updates turned on probably have by now noticed at least one new update available from Redmond. The patch represents the next phase of the Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) anti-piracy pilot program Microsoft launched last year.

Apple today released a security update for its QuickTime media player. The new version, QuickTime 7.6, is available for both Mac and Windows systems. This release fixes at least seven security vulnerabilities

Microsoft today issued a critical software update to plug at least three security holes in its Windows operating systems. The patch, which applies to all supported versions of Windows, is available from the Microsoft Update Web site, or via Automatic Updates.