Seeking MVP advice on SP2

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Hi

Seeking advice on whether or not to install SP2?

I am currently running three machines on my home network through a cable
modem using a D-Link NAT and running Zone Alarm on all three machines.
I also run Notron AV, AdAware and Spybot S&D on all machines and run and
update them on a regular basis. Running this same setup for over 18
months and everything is rock solid. I also have a couple of programs
on the "Programs that may behave differently in Windows XP Service Pack
2" list namely ZoneAlarm, Outlook 2000, Nero and a couple of games
(which I could probably dump).

It looks like SP2 is basically a change in security for users who are
sloppy or uninformed regarding security programs or settings on a PC
running Windows with an always on web connection.

Can anyone tell me if there is "really" any reason to install SP2 on a
machine if it already has the above mentioned security stuff and it
works? I can't see too much else that seems needed in this update.

I'm leaning towards the "wait and see" method to this service pack as I
have with most major updates from MS in the past.

TIA for your thoughts.

Carl

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Carl;
Wait and see is not a bad thing.
Personally I think you should eventually get it.
Most do not have issues with any of the applications on that list.
Those that do are mostly an easy fix.

Take some time to check with the application manufacturers at least
about your essential applications.
Outlook and others probably have updates.
My guess is that your version of Outlook does not fit that once you
have installed all applicable Office patches.

This may also help:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
Although if you are that diligent with your computer most is already
done.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Carl" <> wrote in message
news: om...
> <<<< lurk mode off >>>>
>
> Hi
>
> Seeking advice on whether or not to install SP2?
>
> I am currently running three machines on my home network through a
> cable
> modem using a D-Link NAT and running Zone Alarm on all three
> machines.
> I also run Notron AV, AdAware and Spybot S&D on all machines and run
> and
> update them on a regular basis. Running this same setup for over 18
> months and everything is rock solid. I also have a couple of
> programs
> on the "Programs that may behave differently in Windows XP Service
> Pack
> 2" list namely ZoneAlarm, Outlook 2000, Nero and a couple of games
> (which I could probably dump).
>
> It looks like SP2 is basically a change in security for users who
> are
> sloppy or uninformed regarding security programs or settings on a PC
> running Windows with an always on web connection.
>
> Can anyone tell me if there is "really" any reason to install SP2 on
> a
> machine if it already has the above mentioned security stuff and it
> works? I can't see too much else that seems needed in this update.
>
> I'm leaning towards the "wait and see" method to this service pack
> as I
> have with most major updates from MS in the past.
>
> TIA for your thoughts.
>
> Carl
>
> <<<< lurk mode on >>>>

In article <>,
says...

<<<< lurk mode off >>>>

Jupiter Jones

Thanks for the quick reply.


> Carl;
> Wait and see is not a bad thing.

Especially when dealing with any type of MS service pack.

> Personally I think you should eventually get it.
> Most do not have issues with any of the applications on that list.
> Those that do are mostly an easy fix.

I probably will get it somewhere down the road, but I am for sure not
going to use Windows update. I'll download the update and run it
locally.

> Take some time to check with the application manufacturers at least
> about your essential applications.
> Outlook and others probably have updates.
> My guess is that your version of Outlook does not fit that once you
> have installed all applicable Office patches.

I'm current on all the latest office updates for my version so maybe
I'll be OK.

> This may also help:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
> Although if you are that diligent with your computer most is already
> done.

Thanks, nice informative page. I try to keep my machines lean and
clean. I like to spend my weekends having some fun. Fixing a busted
machine or doing a full re-install is not my idea of having fun (well
maybe sometimes).

Once again, thanks

Carl

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