Author Topic: Windows XP service pack 2 (Read 541 times)

WilldCrd · « **on:** July 12, 2004, 05:23:11 PM »

Windows XP to Get Major Security Upgrade
4 hours ago

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. will release a major update to the Windows XP computer operating system in August that focuses on boosting protection against malicious intrusions.

The company had previously said the free update, called Service Pack 2, would be available sometime this summer but did not offer specific date.

Mike Nash, Microsoft's corporate vice president in charge of security, said Monday the company still couldn't say exactly what day Service Pack 2 will be available, but that they do expect it next month.

The release was once promised as early as June, but has been delayed by last-minute changes _ including making sure new security precautions don't cause other applications to stop working.

"In the tradeoff between security and convenience, we want to define the right balance there," Nash said.

Microsoft, dogged for years by attacks that take advantage of vulnerabilities in its dominant Windows operating system, is hoping the upgrade will reduce disruptive and costly interruptions.

For example, the new system will automatically turn on Windows Firewall, which aims to guard consumers against unsolicited downloads that could track keystrokes, steal information or otherwise act maliciously. The company's free e-mail program, Outlook Express, also will have stronger default protections against downloads that could be used to spread viruses. In addition, Microsoft is making security changes to its Internet Explorer browser and will offer more detailed information to users when an outside application is trying to interact with the computer.

Microsoft is urging home users to turn on a function that allows Microsoft to automatically download security updates, so they are set to receive Service Pack 2 as soon as it becomes available.

Users also can go to Microsoft's security Web site to get the download once it is available, and Microsoft will send out Service Pack 2 CDs to consumers who request them.

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On the Net:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx

Jackal1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2004, 06:41:21 PM »

LOL evertime Mickey Soft comes out with a cure it opens up more doors than it closes.

Hyrax81st · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2004, 06:50:56 PM »

Always turn off the Windows Firewall after buying a decent one from Norton or McAfee (or ZoneAlarm ?). Never, ever turn on automatic update.... ever..... really.

I prefer McAfee Firewall, Virus Shield and AntiSpyware anyway...

Rasker · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2004, 08:08:42 PM »

never turn off the Windows firewall before you have the other one installed and working hehe. Zonealarm (the non-Pro version) is free.

airguard · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2004, 02:27:23 PM »

If its not released you can get the test version here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/sp2preview.mspx

Jackal1 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2004, 03:31:53 PM »

I ran Zonealarm for a long time with lot`s of constant probs. I switched to Kerio............sweeeeeeeeee eeeeet.

AWMac · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2004, 06:34:08 PM »

Wish I was as smart as Rasker when it came to this computer type stuff.... *sigh*

Rasker · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2004, 02:32:36 AM »

bud, it comes from being stingy and constantly scheming how to save a buck here and there.

BTW several critical updates in Windows this week, run windowsupdate manually if you dont have it set on automatic. They say that within the next few days, a wave of exploits will target these vulnerabilities on the machines that havent been updated.