August
26, 2004
Microsoft
has labeled SP2 a "critical" update - urging users to install
the update as soon as possible, but you may not want to install
Service Pack 2 on your XP based PC.
Service
Pack 2 for Windows XP is an extensive update to the operating
system that changes how the OS works. Many of the changes made
by SP2 were intended to better protect computers against hackers,
viruses and other security risks.
However
these changes have resulted in programs that used to work properly
while running under XP to fail or to cause XP itself to stop operating
after SP2 has been installed. This makes it one of the most difficult
updates to handle for IP managers and end users.
Warning
- Installing SP2 may cause one or more of the programs that you
have been depending on to keep your PC secure to fail.
Click
here for a list from Microsoft of known incompatibilities
created by installing SP2.
Having
to remove the security applications that have been protecting
your PC may leave it vulnerable to hackers, viruses, and other
potentially serious security problems. While the update is supposed
to improve the security of your PC it remains to be seen how complete
that protection is. We continue to recommend using additional
security measures and not depending entirely on those built into
the OS.
One
of the changes in SP2 is an enhanced version of the built-in XP
firewall, but this firewall still only protects against inbound
attacks.
If
you are not currently running any anti-virus or third party firewall,
spyware, or other PC security applications then SP 2 may be an
improvement.
But
it isn't only security applications that are affected by the update.
Other programs that you want to use on a XP based computer may
be affected as well. So for the time being at least we recommend
against installing Service Pack 2.
If
you decide that you want the update, but only have a dial-up Internet
connection it will take a long time to download as the update
is quite large. Besides making it available as a free download
Microsoft is also making the service pack available on CD. Contact
them for information on how to order the CD.
Warning
- If you are using Microsoft's automatic update, SP 2 will be
installed automatically on your XP based PC.
If
you don't want SP2 automatically installed on your XP based computer,
you need to turn off the automatic update feature. To do so, right-click
the My Computer icon on the desktop, choose Properties, select
the Automatic Update tab, then select Turn Off Automatic Updates,
click Apply, and then click OK.
