The first critical flaw to be patched next Tuesday was found in Internet Explorer and will require a restart after installation. Windows Vista and XP users should install it at once, while those still running Windows 2000 can simply forget about it.

The other critical vulnerability remains quiet in Microsoft Exchange Server.

The two important updates are aimed at Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Office and may require restart. It’s rather odd that Microsoft would choose to tag both of them as “important” rather than “critical”. Usually, Microsoft rates as critical any flaw that would allow remote code execution if successfully exploited.

All four vulnerabilities targeted by this month’s update do allow remote code execution, but the ratings split them right in half. Strange indeed…

Microsoft’s batch of monthly patches will become available next week on February 10.