SP2

[WayneMan]

I have not been reading information as I should about SP2, but I have been reading posts here. I use Zone Alarm Pro as a firewall and also a Linksys router for fire wall purposes. I also use Norton Pro AntiVirus software and have most of the trojan, worm, and other maladies that one can get off the web.

From what I am reading about SP2, why would I want to upgrade? I am reading about security, but if I have no problems with security now, what is it about SP2 that makes it valuable to have installed. I am sure there are things, I just don't know what they are.


Thanks

 

[WayneMan]

and have most of the trojan, worm, and other maladies that one can get off the web"

I meant to say I had the scanners that keep my system clean from these things.

 

[gpalmer711]

Dispite having all the tools that are currently available, malware writers are always finding holes in these tools. What Microsoft have tried to do with SP2 is make the whole O/S more secure. Meaning that if somebody found a hole in "Zone Alarm" for example (as has happened before), it would be harder for them to use this exploit to harm an XP system with sp2 in place.

I feel totally the opposite of yourself, I can find no reason for anybody not to install it. Sure there are a few issues, but all can be worked around.

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[Spirit]

First of all the firewall opperates like no other it starts BEFORE the network card is activated. ZA (and as far as I know all other firewalls) starts up afterwards leaving you vunerable until it starts. Unfortunately the compitition commitee in the US stop M$ having the firewall blocking both in comming and outgoing (how needs ZA if you have a fully active firewall for free?).

At home I am now fully SP2 but I am still testing for work. My attitude is that I may have a lock on my door but theres no harm in having a bolt and chain too..... and a pit bull!

Just my Tuppence worth.

Iain

 

[WayneMan]

Thanks for your replies and they made a lot of sense. I will install SP2 when it becomes available through the auto updating feature of XP. I will however use my trusty Acronis True Image to make an image of my XP partition that does not contain the SP2.

I would be impossible for MS to test this major update with every hardware - software configuration that could be put together, so I assume from experience that there are going to be some bumps in the road ahead after installing. Don't mind the small bumps but don't like them major pot holes!

Thanks again

 

[linney]

SP2 brings all machines up to date with Security fixes and Window's updates. It replaces a multitude of updates and SP1 or 1a.

In the event of any repair or re-installation of Windows it gives you one update to be installed instead of several.

You may customize your SP2 installation to suit your Firewall and method of updating Windows.

If you are an experienced user it is easy enough to switch off the Security Center, Firewall and Automatic Windows Updates via the Services.

SP2 has all these settings turned on, mainly for the benefit of less experienced users.

 

[Spirit]

Linney says;
"If you are an experienced user it is easy enough to switch off the Security Center, Firewall and Automatic Windows Updates via the Services.

SP2 has all these settings turned on, mainly for the benefit of less experienced users."

I think this sums up SP2 perfectly, its disigned for all the grannies and mums and dads out there that do not have a clue about securing a PC and nor do they want to learn.

How many times have you traced a hack or a spam attack to an unprotected PC that is being used as a drone?

Any savvy user will find SP2 restrictive and obtrusive but to the average joe or joeena it is a marked improvement for Techs.

Iain