As part of a company-wide effort to increase the security of its software, Microsoft Wednesday shipped a package of its latest security fixes for users of the Windows 2000 desktop and server operating system.

Called the Security Rollup Package, this bundle of fixes is the first to come from the Redmond, Washington, software maker as part of a new strategy to improve the security of Microsoft products and thus protect users. Until now, the company has typically released software fixes in what are called service packs. In May 2001, Microsoft released the second service pack for Windows 2000, consisting of roughly 500 bug fixes for the desktop and server software.

The security pack is available on Microsoft's Web site.