August 23, 2004

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, what is it and why do you need it?

Windows has had a web site for updating Windows for security patches and bug fixes for a long time now.  With the last couple versions of Windows, you have been able to set Windows to check automatically when updates are available.  Windows XP has been plagued with problems and vulnerabilities since it's release.  I'll attempt to cover why this Service Pack 2 update is so important to Windows XP and why everyone needs to get it.

First of all, most of the update's changes are internal to Windows, in fact, almost a redo of the Windows operating system, and even though the changes are not noticeable to the user, they are extremely important to the security and protecting your vulnerability to viruses and spyware.  This alone is a good reason to upgrade. 

One big change for SP2 is the built in firewall.  For most of my customers who are using a software firewall, I installed Zone Alarm.  The original Windows firewall was almost useless, and the new one is still not as good as third party programs, so I recommend shutting it off.  It will be turned on by default so this will need to be done by the user.

Most of the compatibility problems with SP2 are because of the firewall, so you can save yourself a lot of trouble by disabling it.  Make sure you have Zone Alarm installed before you do this.  You MUST have a firewall if you are using Road Runner.  A firewall is not totally necessary with a router, but recommended. 

Internet Explorer will now include a built in pop up blocker and spyware protection.  The pop up blocker works very well.  It will not allow programs to automatically download and install without your knowledge.  This is a huge improvement and worth the upgrade alone. The hackers will probably figure out a way around the new security, so at least for now, things will be better. I still recommend Spybot Search and Destroy, Counterspy, or Spy Sweeper for the added protection against spyware and adware.  Again, from the preliminary reports, third party programs are better.

Outlook Express will also contain a lot of new, behind the scenes, features to improve security.  Time will tell about these.  In the past, Outlook could be set to not allow attachments which could possible have a virus in them.  The problem is, it is not smart enough to know, so most of the attachments it blocked were attachments you wanted. Maybe the new stuff will be better.

NOTE: There will undoubtedly be a lot of compatibility issues with the update, as there were with the original version when it was released.  Most all of the software manufacturers will either have a patch available now, or shortly after the upgrade is available, so be sure to check the web sites of all your software manufacturers for the updates.  Click here for a link to Microsoft's web site to find out what they have to say about SP2.

As with everything else, I'm sure there will be problems, but something has to be done to improve vulnerabilities.  We'll see if this is just another temporary stop gap measure or if it will actually improve things.  Hackers are pretty smart, so they may figure a way around the new enhancements.  The bottom line is, this is a must have for everyone with Windows XP. 

You will need to have the Windows update set to automatic in order to get SP2.  It will be available starting Wednesday, August 25, 2004.  This will be a very large download.  If you are using a modem to connect to the Internet, you will need to order the update from Microsoft on a CD.  Click here for a link to order.

ALWAYS DO THE WINDOWS AUTOMATIC UPDATES!

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