"George" wrote in message
...
I just installed a brand new 8400 Dimension. The problems that I DID have
with the new Dell was caused by the Norton Internet Security sweet that
was
installed onto the PC, (no way around it???). That app alone caused the
network of 5 PC's to stop working and then it caused the DSL modem to stop
working.

Releoaded a copy of XP Pro without all of the Dell apps and everything
works
fine now, and I have updated the system with all of the Windows patches
etc...

I have heard this from so many people that know nothing about working on
their PC's...it is a farce and YES you do need SP2 for security reasons.
Of course people hear the horror stories and then.....

Here is the really scarey part. In a room of 5 people, I was the only one
that knew anything about how to protect yourself on the Internet and how
to
keep your system clean and free of Spyware, etc. 4 out of 5 didn't know
what I was talking about...
George


What's so surprising about that. That's exactly what MS has desired all
along, e.g. idiots that just go along with it. Myself, I find it amazing
that the worlds business is actually being trusted to the current state of
software. Personally, I get a big chuckle every time I hear of some new
virus, exploit or whatever as IMHO it's about time the whole bloody thing
came crashing down around everyone's head. Then maybe just maybe they'd go
back to square one and do it right from the beginning.

The basic design principle of wrapping up everything into the OS is showing
it's weakness and this continued trying to patch the holes is becoming a
joke.


"C A Upsdell" " wrote in message
...
DWhitley wrote:
The tech is most likely stating personal opinion as company policy to
the
detriment of Dells customers.


I think you are right about the tech presenting a "personal" opinion.
I know of two people that own older Dells and both have SP-2 installed
and running. However, there does seem to be some scuttlebutt going
around concerning SP-2 not being compatible with existing Dell line of
computers. For example, an email read on Tech-TV about whether or not
to install SP-2 on a Dell was met with this same response by the
person reading the email to not attempt to install SP-2 on a Dell.
Probably the Tech-TV guy was also giving out personal opinions.
Problem is, if this is a false concern, then this scuttlebutt is
gaining wide coverage thanks to media like Tech-TV.

I have a year-old Dell. No problem with SP2.