Importance of SP2

I have a dial-up connection and can't imagine trying to download something
the size of SP2. I've been very faithful about getting all critical updates.
Do I really need this leviathon? What will I gain by installing it? I
already have a firewall with XP. What will happen to my system if I don't
install SP2?

"Linda Sewell" <> schreef in bericht
news:...
> I have a dial-up connection and can't imagine trying to download something
> the size of SP2. I've been very faithful about getting all critical
updates.
> Do I really need this leviathon? What will I gain by installing it? I
> already have a firewall with XP. What will happen to my system if I don't
> install SP2?

Basically, if you applied all pre-SP2 patches, use a firewall
an up-to-date anti-virus program and a lot of common sense,
you are already quite safe.

To be even safer you could de-activate active content,
but then your web experience would be heavily affected.

I will apply SP2 as soon as I'm sure all my applications
will have no or resolved issues -
so I will wait.

SP2 is basically to be treated as a new, improved OS:
in addition to patches and an improved firewall
it has vastly improved code executing security

(DEP:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875351)
and uses ZoneIDs -
new trusted/untrusted executable origin checks.
(some sources don't like the implementation:
http://www.heise.de/security/artikel/50051 -
although I feel they blew up the issue
- the attack vector is really far-fetched)

I appreciate this extensive XP upgrade,
but again, personally I will wait
for all remaining issues to be solved.
See:
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/...s/24289-1.html

Don't download it on a dial-up, get the free CD.

Well, you don't have to download it yourself...Just make sure auto-update is
on, and your computer will download it gradually on your terms. If you are
done on the internet, you can disconnect, and the download will pause,
resuming from that point next time you log on. As for whether or not you
should download it, yes.

Microsoft is releasing this to patch up many security flaws that are small,
but could prove disastrous. Service Packs can also provide new features, so,
yes, you should download it...

Sirius Black

"Linda Sewell" wrote:

> I have a dial-up connection and can't imagine trying to download something
> the size of SP2. I've been very faithful about getting all critical updates.
> Do I really need this leviathon? What will I gain by installing it? I
> already have a firewall with XP. What will happen to my system if I don't
> install SP2?
>
>
>

Linda Sewell wrote:

> I have a dial-up connection and can't imagine trying to download something
> the size of SP2. I've been very faithful about getting all critical updates.
> Do I really need this leviathon? What will I gain by installing it? I
> already have a firewall with XP. What will happen to my system if I don't
> install SP2?

It looks like eventually, you'll be able to order
the CD:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...s/default.mspx

--
Gary Flynn
Security Engineer
James Madison University

Hi Linda - Top 10 Reasons to Install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx


--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In news:,
Linda Sewell <> typed:
> I have a dial-up connection and can't imagine trying to download
> something the size of SP2. I've been very faithful about getting all
> critical updates. Do I really need this leviathon? What will I gain
> by installing it? I already have a firewall with XP. What will happen
> to my system if I don't install SP2?