AlanBarber.Org
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Windows XP SP2
Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2) has finally been released!
Currently only the network installer (aka the business version) is available weighing in at 266MB! This version is designed to update all XP based systems including home, pro, media center, tablet pc, etc and to be used in business environments by IT Professionals.
Soon there will be a consumer version put out on the windows update site as well as thru the automatic update service. I’d suggest home users just wait for this to become available as the network installer is very very very big! The windows update version will only download the required updates so you don’t waste your time downloading things you won’t use.
You can read all about SP2 as well as get the download here:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/ winxppro/maintain/winxpsp2.mspx
I just installed SP2 on my machine and so far everything seems fine. The new security features are a welcome addition and I’m very impressed with how much work Microsoft put into the patch.
There are many new features but the top 4 are:
1) Windows Security Center - This new control panel allows you to manage and configure the built in windows firewall, automatic update and your anti-virus software.
2) Windows Firewall - New and improved firewall that’s configured to close off your computer from the outside world by default. This will help cut down on the spread of worms and viruses. Plus the firewall now lets you control what programs have access to the internet. Similar to the features of ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm firewall.
3) New Wireless Network Control Panel - Improved wireless networking with better management of multiple networks.
4) IE Popup Blocker - Finally a built in popup blocker for IE! No more relying on 3rd party toolbars or programs.
For my system I disabled the windows firewall because I’m inside a secure network that doesn’t have direct access to the internet. I run zonealarm but have the firewall disabled in it too. I only use it for the program control features to manage what programs can access the network.
So far everything seems to be working fine. I haven’t noticed any obvious problems with programs but since I haven’t had a chance to really play around yet I’m not too sure.
I still have two more machines to install SP2 on so I hope they go as well as my desktop has.
