is installing service pack 2 Xp Pro a good idea ?

[vindictive666]

hello all

i am after some ideas really as ive got service pack 2 for windoze xp pro and i was wondering if it is a good a idea to upgrade to said product as ive hear a few conflicting stories, whats youre experiance ?

:thumbsup: :confused: ;) :confuse2:

[netwolf]

Hi Vindictive,

I think the reasons for upgrading far outweigh an conflicting stories. Ther are many criticcal Security updates in SP2 that are needed. If you build a XP Pro pc with no service pack and connect it via dialup or direct broadband to the internet with no firewall , you will very shortly see many good reasons for appying criticle updates and service packs. The worms are still out ther bouncing around cyberspace from unprtoected machine to unprotected machine. SP2 has many more patches agains such worms and other nasties out there.

Things you need on XP
1. Sp2 + any post sp2 criticle updates.
2. Turn on autmatic updates, you can chose to let it advise you and then install.
3. 1 Good antivirus software, if you can not afford one get the free ones at least.
4. MS Antispyware beta + Spybot, either or both.
5. Firewall. If you have a Broadband router than you are safe to some degree. But check if your router is just for sharing or also includes a firewall. You can test with shields up online at https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2.
6. Steve Gibbs site is also full of some excelent tips http://www.grc.com/default.htm

I am sure others can add there things.

But consider it this way, wearing a bullet proof vest maybe cumbersome but it protects you. Same with SP2, its not perfect but it will do the job.

Regards

[ving]

i have it and its done no harm.
better safe than sorry i guess.

[Robby]

SP2 fine for me except for Bluetooth support.
SP1 was excellent with Bluetooth, but SP2, while it still works, requires much more gigery pokery to get it going...
Cheers

[RB]

I've had no problems at all.
I got a SP2 disc from Microsoft instead of downloading it and installed it on all the computers.

Highly Recommended.

;)

RB

[Striker]

Yes install SP2.

It fixes a lot more problems then it creates.

[acropolite]

John, I wouldn't advise auto update unless you have broadband, otherwise as the others say it won't hurt. AVG antivirus is available free, and unless you want to deliberately nobble your new toy stay away from Norton's products.

[h0ughy]

Please note email from microsoft below!



Microsoft Security Newsletter

Volume 2, No. 9 : September 2005




Welcome to the Microsoft Security Newsletter - a monthly newsletter for IT professionals and developers bringing security news, guidance, updates, and community resources direct to your inbox. If you have suggestions or comments about the Microsoft Security Newsletter, please send us your feedback <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992476>.



Viewpoint



How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot with Security, Part 1 -- by Jesper M. Johansson <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992455>

This article can help you better understand some of the things we do to provide security, and how they may cause serious problems unless we are really careful in how we use them.



----------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Stories



Dealing with an Infected PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992456>

What can you do if you think your computer is affected by spyware, a virus, or other malware?



Understanding Security in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP SP2 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992457>

This paper examines the real state of Web browser security and the correlation between a browser's vulnerability and its advanced functionality.



It's Not Always Malware: How to Fix the Top 10 Internet Explorer Issues <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992458>

Malware, the perennial enemy of the Web surfer, has received a lot of publicity and analysis over the past 12 months and rightly so, but this attention has, in some ways, proven to be a two-edged sword. This article by Microsoft MVP Sandi Hardmeier covers the procedures that are most likely to fix the top 10 Internet Explorer issues.



Rights of Passage <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992459>

Read this extensive piece by Robert Mitchell to get Computerworld's take on the enterprise rights management space and how Microsoft Windows Rights Management Services fits into it.



Don't Let Your Company Get Hooked by Phishing <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992460>

Find out how spam scams (known as phishing) work and how they can hurt a small business. Then learn four things you can do to protect your company: make sure the defenses of company computers are strong and up-to-date, reduce exposure to phishing, don't send the wrong message to customers, and educate your employees about phishing.



----------------------------------------------------------------------

Security Guidance



Security Tip of the Month: 10 Tips for Designing, Building, and Deploying Secure Web Applications <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992461>

This paper provides an introductory set of guidelines for anyone involved in the creation and operation of Web applications or services. Follow these simple best practices when designing, building, and deploying Web applications and services in a secure manner.



Microsoft Security Tool Kit: Compromised Systems <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992462>

The software, tools, and information provided in the Security Tool Kit can be used to install and configure an up-to-date Windows system so that it is less likely to be affected by known methods of attack or by future attacks that exploit similar vulnerabilities.



Computer Threats: What to Focus on First <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992463>

When thinking about computer and network security, begin by sorting out what constitutes a genuine security menace to your computer systems and what is mostly a nuisance. Here's guidance to ensure that you're drawing the battle lines in the right place.



Small Business Owners: What You Can Do to Manage Network Security <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992464>

Thanks to the continued presence of Internet worms, viruses, and other threats to computers, network security consistently ranks as a top concern of business owners -- even for those operating simple networks. The good news for small business owners is that many security tasks don't require an IT expert.



Learn How ISA Server 2004 and Sybari Antigen Can Protect Your Network <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992465>

Don't miss an opportunity to learn from the experts in an upcoming webcast "Securing Your Exchange Server with Antigen and ISA Server." Join us September 21 at 11:00 AM to hear how Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA) and Sybari Antigen can protect your Microsoft Exchange Server from viruses, worms, spam, and external attacks.



Download the Malicious Software Removal Tool <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992466>

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found.



Families Cleaned by the Malicious Software Removal Tool <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992467>

This tool removes specific, prevalent malicious software families from computers running compatible versions of Windows. Microsoft releases a new version of the Malicious Software Removal Tool on the second Tuesday of every month, and as needed to respond to security incidents.



----------------------------------------------------------------------

This Month's Security Bulletins

Microsoft has no new security bulletins to release as part of the monthly release cycle for the month of September.

Search for previous security bulletins <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992478>.

Security Bulletin Feed <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992479>RSS <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992480>



----------------------------------------------------------------------

[RB]

I don't understand Phil, what do you mean by "nobble".
What's your experience with Nortons, have you had a bad encounter?

:shrug: :help3: :scared:

RB

[RAJAH235]

Np with SP2 on XP home. Must haves > Sygate firewall, (disable Windows one, when you get SP2), AVG, Ad-aware, Spybot, etc etc. freebies, & Mailwasher Pro., (about $35 from NZ).
Do weekly/f'nightly update check @ M$ & D/L the malicious software tool as hOughie has mentioned.
acropolite, ditto for Nortons. :thumbsup: :D L.

[vindictive666]

thanks for the replies people ive just finished installing sp2 and no probs sofar

allso had to download an additional 25mb of hotfixes so my system is uptodate sofar (fingers crossed for no problems)

iam running 2 antivirus monitors and 2 firewalls ive had situations where one or the othe caught intrusions ect ect


:thumbsup: :D

[netwolf]

A most excelent website for autmating installations and general MS OS information.
http://www.msfn.org/
and forums
http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?

a Thread on Hotfixes and where to get them.
http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=31886

Regards

[RAJAH235]

Vin, There's the possibility of 2 firewalls conflicting if both are running. Best to disable the windows one.
Best version of free one is here > http://207.33.111.31/spf/spf5.5b2710.exe
It's the older, more stable version from Sygate.
HTH. :D L.