Microsoft's new batch of patches

In a monthly update sent to users of its software, Microsoft released 13 security bulletins, or patches, to address 34 vulnerabilities it identified across its Windows, Internet Explorer, Silverlight, Office and other products.

It said six of the patches were high priority and should be deployed immediately. The patches — which update software to write over glitches — are designed to protect users from hackers or malicious software downloaded from the Internet.

Several of the patches affect Windows 7, the software maker’s new operating system, which will be officially unveiled next week, but has been widely used in test versions. Such an early sign of security issues on Windows 7 is potentially worrisome for Microsoft.