Windows XP Service Pack 2?

[evo7_31]

Am downloading it right now - anyone else already using it?

What's really new about this update?

 

[galfordo]

Supposedly they've added lots of security features and that kind of thing. I've noticed that whenever a program asks to be connected to the internet, windows always checks with you to make sure it's legit, which is good I guess. What is annoying is that windows xp says that my virus protection status is unknown. I'm running Norton, which I wouldn't think would be all that exotic ...

 

[RabbitTroop]

Supposedly they've added lots of security features and that kind of thing. I've noticed that whenever a program asks to be connected to the internet, windows always checks with you to make sure it's legit, which is good I guess. What is annoying is that windows xp says that my virus protection status is unknown. I'm running Norton, which I wouldn't think would be all that exotic ...

Microsoft doesn't want to play nice with Symantec or Network Associates. They are planning (big surprise) their own anti-virus solution in the near future and have built the panel with their software in mind. Of course I have a slightly biased opinion on this matter, but I don't think MS will have much luck in the security sector. I mean, it's not like they've done a good job so far proving to us they know the first thing about security. What corporation is going to trust a built in MS anti-virus and firewall?

 

[evo7_31]

Hmm...

I read that the Windows Firewall is now turned on by default - is that the only change to this feature (it used to be off by default, I suppose...?).

This doesn't seem to be as radical an upgrade as SP1 was, it appears.

 

[galfordo]

Microsoft doesn't want to play nice with Symantec or Network Associates. They are planning (big surprise) their own anti-virus solution in the near future and have built the panel with their software in mind. Of course I have a slightly biased opinion on this matter, but I don't think MS will have much luck in the security sector. I mean, it's not like they've done a good job so far proving to us they know the first thing about security. What corporation is going to trust a built in MS anti-virus and firewall?

Good grief .... these guys are waaaayyy out of control. I fear the day when companies no longer even bother to do battle with M$, and the lack of competition brings us back to the days of windows '98 ....

I hope you're right about companies not trusting MS to run their anti-virus software.

 

[Logicdustbin]

I did a fresh install of XP with slipstreamed SP2, it only bitched about anti-virus untill I got it installed (NSW2004) and updated, then XP seemed to be happy.

Only problems so-far; I still get an anoying pop-up (task bar) telling me to turn on the automatic update (I don't like it to do that).

and my computer seems to run really slow now; how-ever, I did the install on a smaller/older HD. Programs seem to start up pretty slow, but run fine after they load up.

 

[Buro Destruct]

Windows XP Service Pack 2??

Will ruin your computer?

I don't download any Service Packs or Critical Updates (save for the mblaster worm fix). I don't use any anti-virus or firewall programs.

I'm also the most virus and problem free computer owner I know.

 

[Benimaru]

Here is a link for free service pack 2 on CD from microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

 

[Tron]

Sounds like just another patch to me. Umm isn't time for MS to make a entirely new Windows program?

 

[galfordo]

Sounds like just another patch to me. Umm isn't time for MS to make a entirely new Windows program?

It usually takes them about 3-4 years of patching before they finally get the OS working right and have it somewhat secure. When the happens, they immediately release a newer, broken-ass OS so that hackers will have a fresh M$ product to rape and exploit.

 

[slerch666]

I've used SP 2 since they had release candidate 2 available.

The reason Norton doesn't show up in your security center is because MS created a new protocol or some shit so it can better communicate with anti-virus stuff. Norton and McAffee have updates coming, or already have them available to 'fix' this problem. They've known about it for a while, so you would have thought their updates would have happened before now...

Anyone running XP, I recommend you get SP2.

 

[IoriYagami n8]

There is quite a bit to SP2 that is great, with a few problems that didn't get any attention. Internet Explorer is a bit faster now. The MS pop-up blocker is quite effective and allows you to easily disable it for select sites. I run nortons as well, and all I had to do was go under the MS security thing that pops up and tell it that I use my own seperate software, and it stopped annoying me. I don't have any problems with it popping up telling me to update or any of that nonsense now. I don't remember exactly how I went through all that, but if you look around I'm sure you can find a posting somewhere on the net that detailed how to setup SP2 so that it was more acceptable of other software as well as less automated.

Another thing I liked was the addition of a web browser Add-Ons management utility. You can find that under the Tools menu in IE. It allows you to check all the browser add-ons and what they are related to, as sometimes sites can sneak them onto your computer. Makes it easy to uninstall crap you don't need. The basic Add/Remove program listing tends to manage faster as well. Those are just some of the things I have noticed myself, there is more that I have heard of but don't recall off hand.

 

[slerch666]

You can actually read about ALL of the changes here.

Lots of information there, if you actually care.

And IoriYagami n8- with the features they've added, they are just now catching up to the real browser greats, like Mozilla. Mozilla has had those features for quite some time, which is why I stopped using IE. I've found that the FireFox browser kicks all kinds of ass.

 

[Hikaru Ichijyo]

I read somewhere that the latest service pack has caused some games to play funny or go outright haywire. Anyone have any issues with any games they've played since downloading it?

 

[slerch666]

I read somewhere that the latest service pack has caused some games to play funny or go outright haywire. Anyone have any issues with any games they've played since downloading it?

I don't play PC games anymore, so I can't help with that one. And when I do fire up a PC game, it's an old ass DOS parser based or mouse based game (mostly old Sierra adventure games).

 

[evo7_31]

And when I do fire up a PC game, it's an old ass DOS parser based or mouse based game (mostly old Sierra adventure games).

Or an emu

 

[lemonflav]

After 3o minute download and and hour install all seems good.

That security center annoyed me so I turned all the shit off.

I use POW, so I don't care for the built in pop-up blocker.

Does anyone know if added more/updated drivers for stuff with this service pack?

 

[Mawdsley]

Im have been running this at work as a test before we role it out, to see what problems might arise.

For those who are interested Microsoft have a web page that lists programs that will not work entirely under SP2. If a program you run is listed, i'd suggest going to the developers website, as its likely to be a top priority for them sort it.

Norton has some issues with the security center, but these are well known and symantec has a good web page about SP2 and its quirks with symantec software.

 

[Logicdustbin]

I read somewhere that the latest service pack has caused some games to play funny or go outright haywire. Anyone have any issues with any games they've played since downloading it?

A lot of people were complaining about this, apparently M$ made a list of games that might not work, UT2004 was apparenlty on it, but I have been running the game just fine (although the load screens take a little longer to load)

 

[Mawdsley]

Will ruin your computer?

I don't download any Service Packs or Critical Updates (save for the mblaster worm fix). I don't use any anti-virus or firewall programs.

I'm also the most virus and problem free computer owner I know.

You dont know many ppl then do you?

 

[kernow]

You dont know many ppl then do you?

heh

 

[Pink Spider]

My start up and shut downs seem slower now.
Also I'm running XP Professional and used to get the XP Pro boot up screen, now I get the normal XP boot screen.