ZoneAlarm/Windows update-caution & ?

Howdy Folks...

Just a quick FYI for those of you using Windows (like me) and also use Zone Alarm (again, as I do). I religiously download all the latest Windows security updates; unfortunately upon loading the most recent I lost the ability to connect to internet pages/sites. (I could still connect to the 'net but pages wouldn't load.)

After playing around I ended up turning off Avast, same problem. When I turned off Zone Alarm I was able to get back up and running as normal. Today, while deciding what to do I went to the Zone Alarm home page and sure enough there is a notice...

"Installation of Microsoft Update KB951748 may result in Internet Connectivity"

http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/home.jsp;jsessionid=I36lTuPDGfwlB5EfyYtQpGD0x5YGuXuJGmdpgWqIF6XlRwwn795o!1743744360!-1062696904!7551!7552!NONE?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en

There is also a "click here" to resolve the issue on the same page.

I haven't followed any of their suggestions to resolve it yet (am running with no firewall at the present time). They suggest (1) changing my security level to medium OR
(2) removing the Windows "Hotfix" (KB951748).

Does anyone know which would be the safest choice to make?

Thanks!
Shoe