Written by Nathan Thomas on August 17, 2004
Written by Nathan Thomas on August 17, 2004
Microsoft said August 6 that it released Windows XP Service Pack 2 to PC manufacturers, and said it would be made available for end users to download by the end of August. What's SP 2? It's a response to security concerns exploited in Windows XP. "Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft.
According to reports, SP 2 is designed to reduce Windows XP's vulnerability to outside threats by switching more of the system's default setting to a secure mode, minimizing opportunities for buffer overruns, which can provide an entry to hackers and worms, a built-in firewall and pop-up blocker. XP's security settings have also been made easier to understand.
Business customers using Windows XP are advised by Microsoft to deploy the service pack on their most important systems, especially notebooks and computers for home workers, as soon as is practical.
Some things it's important to know as you prepare to download and install SP 2: The included firewall will disable any firewall you already have installed, though the company says this will be seamless. Also, there has been concern that third-party anti-virus software, such as by Symantec, would be incompatible with a new, enhanced Windows Security Center. But Symantec and other vendors are working on matching everything up so compatibility will not be an issue.
You are encouraged to learn more and to find out how to have SP 2 automatically installed or download it yourself at Microsoft's website.