Microsoft Launches XP SP2
Microsoft is scheduled to release Service Pak 2 of Windows XP beginning on August 26. Take your time and do not jump into it. You should apply it, but do not rush into it. I'll cover:
- What it does
- What it breaks
- My Recommendations
The Major Changes with Service Pak 2
- Security patches. Now when we sell a new XP computer, we will not have to spend hours downloading and installing a year's worth of security updates. Those of you who have not been updating your computers will be able to do so more quickly.
- An improved firewall which is turned on automatically. After installation turn it off and use ZoneAlarm. The Windows Firewall still does not do an adequate job. It does not protect against outgoing traffic. The free ZoneAlarm is better.
- An attachment manager: If you use Outlook Express (which I call Lookout Distress), then you have been ignoring my advice. But some of the security issues related to it will be reduced. Also some improved security in Windows Messenger and Internet Explorer, neither of which you should be using.
- Some improved buffer overrun protection.
- Windows Security Center: This is a new applet which will alert you when your Windows is not being patched, your firewall is down or your anti-virus is out of date. Expect it to give you correct information at least half the time.
- Improved support for Wireless networks
- Windows update will be harder to track and will do some installs at shutdown! This will cause lots of people to think their computer is hung, particularly if the updates haven't even been downloaded on a slower connection. Expect this to hose lots of installations when people manually turn off their machines while the update process is running.
What it Breaks
- Most peer to peer networking and some network cards
- Older Norton Antivirus products
- Remote management of some backup batteries
- There are issues with Outlook and NetMeeting.
- Microsoft has an article about the programs it knows about which have problems with Service pak 2. The link is: http:⁄⁄support.microsoft.com⁄default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2 or snipped: http:⁄⁄snipurl.com⁄8gbd
- I went to Google's advanced search on Thursday August 19 and limited the search to the Microsoft.com. Then entered "windows xp sp2 issues". I got 4,210 distinct results. The first was the above article which lists a couple of pages of programs that have problems with it.
- Security issues have already surfaced and patches are being made.
My Recommendations
- Disable your software firewall (ZoneAlarm) during installation, then disable their firewall and turn ZoneAlarm back on.
- Do not install the way they tell you to. Instead download the entire service pak or wait for the CD. You can download the entire service pak here: http:⁄⁄www.microsoft.com⁄downloads⁄details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
- I hate the idea of doing 100 megabyte or more changes to my operating system while running Internet Explorer and being online. Too many things can go wrong and the consequences are too high.
- Everyone knows installations go better when as few things as possible are running. You should not be on the net to do large critical updates.
- If you ever need to reinstall or put the patch on a second computer, you'll need the full version anyway.
- After downloading, I suggest you burn it to a CD. When Microsoft finally gets around to offering the CD, I'd get it as well.
- This is an upgrade all XP users should make. But do not rush into it. Perhaps even waiting for SP2b might not be a bad idea.
I do not want this article to be seen as an attack on Microsoft or a negative article regarding Service Pak 2. I think SP 2 is basically sound and well done. However, it changes a lot of things and that effects a lot of hardware and software and user systems. So it is reasonable to continue updating normally and wait for your software vendors to update their software before applying the huge Windows patch.