XP SP2

Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

Its not just extra protection, it also contains updates to current
software. A 180 day grace period was given so that software could be
updated to work with SP2, and most companies have patched their software
for SP2.

Updates in Service Pack 2:

-- New Security Enhancements: IE 6 SP2, D.E.P., Windows Firewall,
Security Center, new Automatic Updates, Windows Messenger 4.7

-- Networking Enhancements: Microsoft Peer to Peer Functionality, IPv6
support, Better support for Wireless Networking, Better DNS cacheing

-- Updated Multimedia Experience: Windows Media Player 9 Series, DirectX
9.0C, Windows Movie Maker 2.1

-- Better hardware support: IEEE 1394 works without eating RAM, Hardware
Specific Fixes for certain hardware devices, USB devices no longer
randomly disappear

As you can see, its not just a big security hole, its a worthwhile
update to many people, not just for security reasons.

Sitara Lal wrote:
Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

Not only does SP2 significantly enhance the security of Windows XP,
it also updates over 5 million lines of code to enhance the performance
of Windows XP. SP2 is a MAJOR CRITICAL UPDATE a prudent
should install ASAP.

Learn About Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/preinstall.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...xp/choose.mspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sitara Lal" wrote:

| Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
| Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
| down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
| ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

SP2 should be part of a proper security programme which will not just
protect you but protect others too..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Sitara Lal" wrote in message
...
Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

Sitara Lal wrote:
Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as
possible? Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to
almost shove it down our throats - after all we are all grown up and
can decide for ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or
not.

No one is forcing you to do anything.

Service Pack 2 has been out since August 2004.
If you have not installed it by now, why would you HAVE to install it now?
Yes - Windows XP Professional/Home SP1 will no longer be supported by
Microsoft come September 2006.
If you know how to manage your patching and such, there is no "forced"
anything.
If you don't know how to manage your patching and such - then there is your
problem..

Perhaps this list of tips will teach you how to manage your system properly
and help you learn about maintaining it.

Microsoft has these suggestions for Protecting your computer from the
various "bad things" that could happen to you/it:

Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/


Although those tips are fantastic, there are many things you should
know above and beyond what is there as well as other methods and
applications you can use to protect yourself. Below I have detailed
out many steps that can not only help you cleanup a problem PC but
keep it clean and secure as well as running at its top performance mark.

I know this list can seem intimidating - it is quite long and a lot
to take in for a novice - but I assure you that one trip through this
list and you will understand your computer and the options available
to you for protecting your data much better and that the next time
you review these steps, the time it takes will be greatly reduced.

Let's take the cleanup of your computer step-by-step. Yes, it will take
up some of your time - but consider what you use your computer
for and how much you would dislike it if all of your stuff on your
computer went away because you did not "feel like" performing some
simple maintenance tasks - think of it like changing the oil in your car,
changing the air filter on your home A/C unit, paying your bills on time,
etc.

Let's go through some maintenance first that should only have to be done
once (mostly):

Tip (1):
Locate all of the software (the installation media - CDs, etc) that you
have installed on your computer. Collect these CDs into a single pile
and locate the original installation media (CDs, disks) in a central and
safe place along with their CD keys and such. Make backups of these
installation media sets using your favorite copying method (CD Burner and
application, Disk copier, etc.) You'll be glad to know that if you have
a CD burner, you may be able to use a free application to make a
duplicate copy of your CDs. One such application is ISORecorder:

ISORecorder home page (with general instructions on use):
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

Pre-SP2 version:
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/I...r/download.asp

Post-SP2 beta version:
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/d...corderV2B2.zip

More full function applications (free) for CD/DVD burning would be:

DeepBurner Free
http://www.deepburner.com/

CDBurnerXP Pro
http://www.cdburnerxp.se/

Another Option would be to search the web with Pricewatch.com or
Dealsites.net and find deals on Nero and/or Roxio.


Tip (2):
Empty your Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files and make sure the
maximum size for this is small enough not to cause trouble in the future.
Empty your Temporary Internet Files and shrink the size it stores to a
size between 128MB and 512MB..

- Open ONE copy of Internet Explorer.
- Select TOOLS - Internet Options.
- Under the General tab in the "Temporary Internet Files" section, do the
following:
- Click on "Delete Cookies" (click OK)
- Click on "Settings" and change the "Amount of disk space to use:" to
something between 128MB and 512MB. (Betting it is MUCH larger right
now.)
- Click OK.
- Click on "Delete Files" and select to "Delete all offline contents"
(the checkbox) and click OK. (If you had a LOT, this could take 2-10
minutes or more.)
- Once it is done, click OK, close Internet Explorer, re-open Internet
Explorer.


Tip (3):
If things are running a bit slow or you have an older system
(1.5GHz or less and 256MB RAM or less) then you may want to look into
tweaking the performance a bit by turning off some of the memory
using Windows XP "prettifications". The fastest method is:

Control Panel -- System -- Advanced tab -- Performance section,
Settings button. Then choose "adjust for best performance" and you
now have a Windows 2000/98 look which turned off many of the annoying
"prettifications" in one swift action. You can play with the last
three checkboxes to get more of an XP look without many of the
other annoyances. You could also grab and install/mess with one
(or more) of the Microsoft Powertoys - TweakUI in particular:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...powertoys.mspx


Tip (4):
Understanding what a good password might be is vital to your
personal and system security. You may not need to password your home
computer, as you may have it in a locked area (your home) where no
one else has access to it. Remember, however, that locked area is
unlocked when you access the Internet unless you are taking proper
precautions. Also, you aren't always "in that locked area" when using
your computer online - meaning you likely have usernames and passwords
associated with web sites and the likes that you would prefer other
people do not discover/use. This is why you should understand and
utilize good passwords.

Good passwords are those that meet these general rules
(mileage may vary):

Passwords should contain at least six characters, and the character
string should contain at least three of these four character types:
- uppercase letters
- lowercase letters
- numerals
- nonalphanumeric characters (e.g., *, %, &, !)

Passwords should not contain your name/logon name. Passwords should
be unique to you and easy to remember. One method many people are
using today is to make up a phrase that describes a point in their
life and then turning that phrase into their password by using only
certain letters out of each word in that phrase. It's much better
than using your birthday month/year or your anniversary in a pure
sense. For example, let's say my phrase is:
"Moved to new home in 2004"
I could come up with this password from that:
"Mv2n3whmN04"

The password tip is in the "one time" section, but I highly
recommend you periodically change your passwords. The suggested time
varies, but I will throw out a "once in every 3 to 6 months for
every account you have."


Tip (5):
This tip is also "questionable" in the "one time" section. However,
if properly setup, this one can be pretty well ignored for most people
after the initial "fiddle-with" time.

Why you should use a computer firewall..
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...wbenefits.mspx

You should, in some way, use a firewall. Hardware (like a nice
Cable Modem/DSL router) or software is up to you. Many use both of
these. The simplest one to use is the hardware one, as most people
don't do anything they need to configure their NAT device for and
those who do certainly will not mind fiddling with the equipment to
make things work for them. Next in the line of "simplicity" would
have to be the built-in Windows Firewall of Windows XP. In SP2 it
is turned on by default. It is not difficult to turn on in any
case, however:

Enable/Disable the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673

More information on the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320855

Post-SP2 Windows Firewall Information/guidance:
http://snipurl.com/atal

The trouble with the Windows Firewall is that it only keeps things
out. Truthfully, for most people who maintain their system in other
ways, this is MORE than sufficient. However, you may feel otherwise.
If you want to know when one of your applications is trying to obtain
access to the outside world so you can stop it, then you will have to
install a third-party application and configure/maintain it. I have
compiles a list with links of some of the better known/free firewalls
you can choose from:

ZoneAlarm (Free and up)
http://snipurl.com/6ohg

Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF) (Free and up)
http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html

Outpost Firewall from Agnitum (Free and up)
http://www.agnitum.com/download/

Sygate Personal Firewall (Free and up)
http://smb.sygate.com/buy/download_buy.htm

Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall (~$25 and up)
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/

BlackICE PC Protection ($39.95 and up)
http://blackice.iss.net/

Perhaps you can find the right firewall for your situation in that
list and set it up/configure it. Every firewall MAY require some
maintenance. Essentially checking for patches or upgrades (this
goes for hardware and software solutions) is the extent of this
maintenance - but you may also have to configure your firewall to
allow some traffic depending on your needs. Also, don't stack these
things. Running more than one firewall will not make you safer
- it would likely (in fact) negate some protection you gleamed
from one or the other firewalls you run.



Now that you have some of the more basic (one-time) things down..
Let's go through some of the steps you should take periodically to
maintain a healthy and stable windows computer. If you have not
done some of these things in the past, they may seem tedious at
first - however, they will become routine and some can even be
automatically scheduled.


Tip (6):
The system restore feature is a new one - first appearing in Windows
ME and then sticking around for Windows XP. It is a VERY useful
feature - if you keep it maintained and use it to your advantage.
However, remember that the system restore pretty much tells you in
the name what it protects - "system" files. Your documents, your
pictures, your stuff is NOT system files - so you should also look
into some backup solution.

I'll mainly work around Windows XP, as that is what the bulk of this
document is about. I will, however, point out a single place for you
poor souls still stuck in Windows ME where you can get information on
maintaining your system right now:

Windows ME Computer Health:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/u...alth/articles/

Pay close attention to the sections:
(in order)
- Clean up your hard disk
- Check for errors by running ScanDisk
- Defragment your hard disk
- Roll back the clock with System Restore

Now back to the point at hand - maintaining your system restore in
Windows XP SHOULD be automatic - but I have seen the automatic go wrong
too many times not to suggest the following.. Whenever you think about
it (after doing a once-over on your machine once a month or so would
be optimal) - clear out your System Restore and create a manual
restoration point. Why? Too many times have I seen the system restore
files go corrupt or get a virus in them, meaning you could not or
did not want to restore from them. By clearing it out periodically
you help prevent any corruption from happening and you make sure you
have at least one good "snapshot".
(This, of course, will erase any previous restore point you have.)

- Turn off System Restore.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
- Reboot.
- Turn on System Restore.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310405
- Make a Manual Restoration Point.
http://snipurl.com/68nx

That covers your system files, but doesn't do anything for the files
that you are REALLY worried about - yours! For that you need to look
into backups. You can either manually copy your important files, folders,
documents, spreadsheets, emails, contacts, pictures, drawings and so on
to an external location (CD/DV - any disk of some sort, etc) or you can
use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP:

How To Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422

Yes - you still need some sort of external media to store the results
on, but you could schedule the backup to occur when you are not around,
then burn the resultant data onto CD or DVD or something when you are
(while you do other things!)


Tip (7):
You should sometimes look through the list of applications that are
installed on your computer. The list MIGHT surprise you. There are more
than likely things in there you KNOW you never use - so why have them
there? There may even be things you KNOW you did not install and
certainly do not use (maybe don't WANT to use.)

This web site should help you get started at looking through this list:

How to Uninstall Programs
http://snipurl.com/8v6b

A word of warning - Do NOT uninstall anything you think you MIGHT need
in the future unless you have completed Tip (1) and have the installation
media and proper keys for use backed up somewhere safe!


Tip (8):
Patches and Updates!

This one cannot be stressed enough. It is SO simple, yet so neglected
by many people. It is especially simple for the critical Windows patches!
Microsoft put in an AUTOMATED feature for you to utilize so that you do
NOT have to worry yourself about the patching of the Operating System:

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

However, not everyone wants to be a slave to "automation", and that is
fine - as long as you are willing to do things manually. Admittedly, I
prefer this method on some of my more critical systems.

Windows Update
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Go there and scan your machine for updates. Always get the critical ones
as you see them. Write down the KB###### or Q###### you see when
selecting the updates and if you have trouble over the next few days,
go into your control panel (Add/Remove Programs), match up the latest
numbers you downloaded recently (since you started noticing an issue) and
uninstall them. If there was more than one (usually is), uninstall them
one by one - with a few hours of use in between, to see if the problem
returns. Yes - the process is not perfect (updating) and can cause trouble
like I mentioned - but as you can see, the solution isn't that bad - and is
MUCH better than the alternatives.

Windows is not the only product you likely have on your PC. The
manufacturers of the other products usually have updates as well. New
versions of almost everything come out all the time - some are free, some
are pay - some you can only download if you are registered - but it is best
to check. Just go to their web pages and look under their support and
download sections. For example, for Microsoft Office update, you should
visit:

Microsoft Office Updates
http://office.microsoft.com/
(and select "downloads")

You also have hardware on your machine that requires drivers to interface
with the operating system. You have a video card that allows you to see on
your screen, a sound card that allows you to hear your PCs sound output and
so on. Visit those manufacturer web sites for the latest downloadable
drivers for your hardware/operating system. Always (IMO) get the
manufacturers’ hardware driver over any Microsoft offers. On the Windows
Update site I mentioned earlier, I suggest NOT getting their hardware
drivers - no matter how tempting. First - how do you know what hardware
you have in your computer? Invoice or if it is up and working now - take
inventory:

Belarc Advisor
http://belarc.com/free_download.html

EVEREST Home Edition
http://www.lavalys.com/products/down...?pid=1&lang=en

Once you know what you have, what next? Go get the latest driver for your
hardware/OS from the manufacturer's web page. For example, let's say you
have an NVidia chipset video card or ATI video card, perhaps a Creative
Labs sound card or C-Media chipset sound card...

NVidia Video Card Drivers
http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

ATI Video Card Drivers
http://www.atitech.com/support/driver.html

Creative Labs Sound Device
http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/

C-Media Sound Device
http://www.cmedia.com.tw/e_download_01.htm

Then install these drivers. Updated drivers are usually more stable and
may provide extra benefits/features that you really wished you had before.

As for Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made this
particular patch available in a number of ways. First, there is the
Windows Update web page above. Then there is a direct download site
and finally, you can order the FREE CD from Microsoft.

Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
http://snipurl.com/8bqy

Order the Free Windows XP SP2 CD
http://snipurl.com/8umo


Tip (9):
What about the dreaded word in the computer world, VIRUS?

Well, there are many products to choose from that will help you prevent
infections from these horrid little applications. Many are FREE to the
home user. Which one you choose is a matter of taste, really. I wouldn't
list one here I had not personally used - and they all work. Many people
have emotional attachments or performance issues with one or another
AntiVirus software. Try some out, read reviews and decide for yourself
which you like mo

avast! (Free and up)
http://www.avast.com/

AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
http://www.grisoft.com/

AntiVir (Free and up)
http://www.free-av.com/

RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/

Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html

Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
http://www.pandasoftware.com/
(Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)

McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
http://www.mcafee.com/

Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
(Free Online Scanner:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/hous...start_corp.asp)

Untested (by me):
eTrust EZ Antivirus ($29.95 and up)
https://www2.my-etrust.com/commerce/buy.it.cfm

Most of them have automatic update capabilities. You will have to
look into the features of the one you choose. Whatever one you finally
settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily) and
perform a full scan periodically (yes, it protects you actively, but a
full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)


Tip (10):
The most rampant infestation at the current time concerns SPYWARE/ADWARE.
I hate this stuff. It has no purpose. I have seen people try to justify
it over and over - it's worthless. It slows down your PC, it can send
your private information to people you'll never meet and did I mention,
it's worthless. You need to eliminate it from your machine.

If you use P2P software, this COULD make that stop working. Find some
decent software to do the same thing - what you are currently using is
crap.

Anyway - there is no one software that cleans and immunizes you against
everything. Antivirus software - you only needed one. Firewall, you
only needed one. AntiSpyware - you may need several. I have a list and
I recommend you use at least the first 5. I know that sounds like a lot,
and you may be saying "But you said earlier that I should clean my system,
now you are telling me to install more software - 5 pieces in fact!" Okay,
I get your point, but please consider that this stuff has prevented the
install of the latest service pack for some people, it has the potential
to slow and crater your PC, it can send your private information around
the world to people you do not know - it is all around BAD.

First - make sure you have NOT installed "Rogue AntiSpyware". There are
people out there who created AntiSpyware products that actually install
spyware of their own! You need to avoid these:

Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Also, you can always visit this site..
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
For more updated information.

Then, my suggestion again is that you at least install the first five of
these: (Install, Run, Update, Scan with..)

Lavasoft AdAware (Free and up)
http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
(How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdn )

Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)
http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
(How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdk )

Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner (Free!)
http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/
(How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate3 )

SpywareBlaster (Free!)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
(How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate6 )

IE-SPYAD (Free!)
https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
(How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate7 )

CWShredder (Free!)
http://www.softbasket.com/download/s_8114.shtml

Hijack This! (Free)
http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
( Tutorial: http://hjt.wizardsofwebsites.com/ )

ToolbarCop (Free!)
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm

Browser Security Tests
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/

Popup Tester
http://www.popuptest.com/

The Cleaner (49.95 and up)
http://www.moosoft.com/

If used properly, you should have a malware free system now. The last
two of the first five I suggest you install are immunization applications.
None of these programs (in these editions) run in the background unless you
TELL them to. The space they take up and how easy they are to use greatly
makes up for any inconvenience you may be feeling.

Unfortunately, although that will lessen your popups on the Internet/while
you are online, it won't eliminate them. I have looked at a lot of options,
seen a lot of them used in production with people who seem to attract popups
like a plague, and I only have a few other suggestions that should help.
This
one ends up serving double duty (search engine and popup stopper in one):

The Google Toolbar (Free!)
http://toolbar.google.com/

Yeah - it adds a bar to your Internet Explorer - but it’s a useful one. You
can search from there anytime with one of the best search engines on the
planet (IMO.) And the fact it stops most popups - wow - BONUS! If you
don't like that suggestion, then I am just going to say you go to
www.google.com and search for other options.

Please notice that Windows XP SP2 does help stop popups as well.

Another option is to use an alternative Web browser. I suggest
"Mozilla Firefox", as it has some great features and is very easy to use:

Mozilla Firefox
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

One more suggestion is to disable your Windows Messenger service. This
service is not used frequently (if at all) by the normal home user and
in cooperation with a good firewall, is generally unnecessary. Microsoft
has instructions on how to do this for Windows XP he

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...e/stopspam.asp


So your machine is pretty clean and up to date now. If you use the sections
above as a guide, it should stay that way as well! There are still a few
more
little things you can do to keep your machine running in top shape.


Tip (11):
You should periodically check your hard drive(s) for errors and defragment
them. Only defragment after you have cleaned up your machine of
outside parasites and never defragment as a solution to a quirkiness in
your system. It may help speed up your system, but it should be clean
before you do this.

How to use Disk Cleanup
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310312

How to scan your disks for errors
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315265

How to Defragment your hard drives
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314848

I would personally perform the above steps at least once every three months.
For most people this should be sufficient, but if the difference you notice
afterwards is greater than you think it should be, lessen the time in
between
its schedule.. If the difference you notice is negligible, you can increase
the time.


Tip (12):
SPAM! JUNK MAIL!
This one can get annoying, just like the rest. You get 50 emails in one
sitting and 2 of them you wanted. NICE! (Not.) What can you do? Well,
although there are services out there to help you, some email
servers/services that actually do lower your spam with features built into
their servers - I still like the methods that let you be the end-decision
maker on what is spam and what is not. I have two products to suggest to
you, look at them and see if either of them suite your needs. Again, if
they don't, Google is free and available for your perusal.

SpamBayes (Free!)
http://spambayes.sourceforge.net/

Spamihilator (Free!)
http://www.spamihilator.com/

As I said, those are not your only options, but are reliable ones I have
seen function for hundreds+ people.


Tip (13):
ADVANCED TIP! Only do this once you are comfortable under the hood of your
computer!

There are lots of services on your PC that are probably turned on by default
you don't use. Why have them on? Check out these web pages to see what all
of the services you might find on your computer are and set them according
to
your personal needs. Be CAREFUL what you set to manual, and take heed and
write down as you change things! Also, don't expect a large performance
increase or anything - especially on today’s 2+ GHz machines, however - I
look
at each service you set to manual as one less service you have to worry
about
someone exploiting. A year ago, I would have thought the Windows Messenger
service to be pretty safe, now I recommend (with addition of a firewall)
that most home users disable it! Yeah - this is another one you have to
work for, but your computer may speed up and/or be more secure because you
took the time. And if you document what you do as you do it, next time, it
goes MUCH faster! (or if you have to go back and re-enable things..)

Task List Programs
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Taskl...s/tasklist.htm

Black Viper's Service List and Opinions (XP)
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP
http://www.reger24.de/prozesse/

There are also applications that AREN'T services that startup when you start
up the computer/logon. One of the better description on how to handle these
I have found he

Startups
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php


If you follow the advice laid out above (and do some of your own research as
well, so you understand what you are doing) - your computer will stay fairly
stable and secure and you will have a more trouble-free system.

You don't have to drink Coca-Cola because the commercial says so.
You don't have to wear Levi's blue jeans because the advertisement says you
should.
It must be hard to look through a sunday newspaper.

--
- Shenan -
--
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.

The question is, what is at issue to not upgrade? It is now 4/2005, and it is
quite normal to see an OS go through SP revisions. I don't think MS is going
to stop offering security patches for XP SP1 anytime soon, but you should
have it on your radar. SP2 is not all security updates either.

As far as shoving of down of throats, I would percieve you are reacting a
little harshly on marketing. Of course MS wants people on the latest SP.

"Sitara Lal" wrote:

Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

What about the threat your unpatched machine may be to other users on the
internet?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (Shell, IE/OE) & Security

Mastering Newsgroups in Outlook Express
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/...ewsgroups.mspx

Sitara Lal wrote:
Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

[quote=SNIPO[/QUOTE]
Hi Sitara,
Follow along and then decide for yourself.
"A 180 day grace period was given so that software could be
updated to work with SP2, and most companies have patched their software for SP2."
Less than a quarter of businesses in North America have installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) according to a new study, April 05, 2005 by AssetMetrix.
SC Magazine

"Not only does SP2 significantly enhance the security of Windows XP,
it also updates over 5 million lines of code to enhance the performance
of Windows XP."
Google Search; XP SP2 Problems
Results 1 - 10 of about 965,000 for XP SP2 Problems

"-- Better hardware support: IEEE 1394 works without eating RAM"
Sorry, but that's not correct either.
Architecture - FireWire vs. USB 2.0
FireWire, built from the ground up for speed, uses a "Peer-to-Peer" architecture in which the peripherals are intelligent and can negotiate bus conflicts to determine which device can best control a data transfer.

USB 2.0 uses a "Master-Slave" architecture in which the computer handles all arbitration functions and dictates data flow to, from, and between the attached peripherals (adding additional system overhead and resulting in slower, less-efficient data flow control)

"Why does MS seem to almost shove it down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.
The way I see it, this update was meant for people that don't understand or care about security. That's why it's being shoved down your throat.
My2cents,
Treeman

Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?

They aren't, it may just be the way you are perceiving it. I for one, don't
believe in updates. I go along with the saying if it ain't broke, don't fix
it. However; and that said, I do have SP2 installed on two of my five
systems here for testing.

Added info:

Temporarily Disabling Delivery of Windows XP Service Pack 2 through
Windows Update and Automatic Updates
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../sp2aumng.mspx

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com


"Sitara Lal" wrote in message
...
Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

Treeman

I don't see the point in having to be always fully alert when there are
devices, programs, and updates available that will allow me to relax
sometimes.. I want to give my time to being productive, and that does not
include having to be on full alert against every little thing lurking in the
shadows.. having a rearguard in enemy territory is not a sign of weakness..
it helps the operative get the main job done..

Nobody is being forced to accept SP2.. it can still be stopped.. nobody is
being forced to use a firewall or anti-virus protection other than some
companies that insist ALL workstations run av programs, scanning software
reporting back to system admin the names of operators who fail to ensure
that it is running AND updated.. if you and others feel that a rearguard in
some way diminishes your perceived competence, then so be it and good luck
to you..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Treeman" wrote in message
...

SNIPO[/QUOTE Wrote:

Hi Sitara,
Follow along and then decide for yourself.
"A 180 day grace period was given so that software could be
updated to work with SP2, and
_most_companies_have_patched_their_software_for_SP 2.\"_
LESS THAN A QUARTER OF BUSINESSES IN NORTH AMERICA HAVE INSTALLED
WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2 (SP2) ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY, APRIL 05,
2005 BY ASSETMETRIX.
'SC Magazine' (http://tinyurl.com/6av5r)

"Not only does SP2 significantly enhance the security of Windows XP,
it also updates over 5 million lines of code to _enhance_ the
performance
of Windows XP."
GOOGLE SEARCH; XP SP2 PROBLEMS
RESULTS 1 - 10 OF ABOUT 965,000 FOR XP SP2 PROBLEMS

"-- Better hardware support: IEEE 1394 works without eating RAM"
SORRY, BUT THAT'S NOT CORRECT EITHER. [/b]
ARCHITECTURE - FIREWIRE VS. USB 2.0
FIREWIRE, BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP FOR SPEED, USES A
\"PEER-TO-PEER\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE PERIPHERALS ARE INTELLIGENT
AND CAN NEGOTIATE BUS CONFLICTS TO DETERMINE WHICH DEVICE CAN BEST
CONTROL A DATA TRANSFER.

USB 2.0 USES A \"MASTER-SLAVE\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE COMPUTER
HANDLES ALL ARBITRATION FUNCTIONS AND DICTATES DATA FLOW TO, FROM, AND
BETWEEN THE ATTACHED PERIPHERALS (ADDING ADDITIONAL SYSTEM OVERHEAD AND
RESULTING IN SLOWER, LESS-EFFICIENT DATA FLOW CONTROL)

[b]\"WHY DOES MS SEEM TO ALMOST SHOVE IT DOWN OUR THROATS - AFTER ALL
WE ARE ALL GROWN UP AND CAN DECIDE FOR OURSELVES WHETHER WE NEED THAT
'EXTRA PROTECTION' OR NOT.
The way I see it, this update was meant for people that don't
understand or care about security. That's why it's being shoved down
your throat.
My2cents,
Treeman


--
Treeman

Here's the dilemma. Microsoft gets bashed for lack of Security in it's
OS product line. They opt for more Security in deference to "Ease
of Use" in SP2. Now, the complaint is Microsoft forcing SP2 onto
unwilling customers.
As to Enterprise adoption rates - They want stability and even the
monthly updates gives them support issues. Couple that with the fact
that most IT departments are outsourced - you've got even more of
a "Lag/Procrastination" factor in play. One other "Big" issue with SP2
in Enterprise environments are "In-House" developed apps that have
issues with Service Pack 2.
It's unfortunate that companies ask for more Security and then when
it's available balk at implementing it.


"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
Treeman

I don't see the point in having to be always fully alert when there are
devices, programs, and updates available that will allow me to relax
sometimes.. I want to give my time to being productive, and that does not
include having to be on full alert against every little thing lurking in
the shadows.. having a rearguard in enemy territory is not a sign of
weakness.. it helps the operative get the main job done..

Nobody is being forced to accept SP2.. it can still be stopped.. nobody is
being forced to use a firewall or anti-virus protection other than some
companies that insist ALL workstations run av programs, scanning software
reporting back to system admin the names of operators who fail to ensure
that it is running AND updated.. if you and others feel that a rearguard
in some way diminishes your perceived competence, then so be it and good
luck to you..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Treeman" wrote in message
...

SNIPO[/QUOTE Wrote:

Hi Sitara,
Follow along and then decide for yourself.
"A 180 day grace period was given so that software could be
updated to work with SP2, and
_most_companies_have_patched_their_software_for_SP 2.\"_
LESS THAN A QUARTER OF BUSINESSES IN NORTH AMERICA HAVE INSTALLED
WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2 (SP2) ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY, APRIL 05,
2005 BY ASSETMETRIX.
'SC Magazine' (http://tinyurl.com/6av5r)

"Not only does SP2 significantly enhance the security of Windows XP,
it also updates over 5 million lines of code to _enhance_ the
performance
of Windows XP."
GOOGLE SEARCH; XP SP2 PROBLEMS
RESULTS 1 - 10 OF ABOUT 965,000 FOR XP SP2 PROBLEMS

"-- Better hardware support: IEEE 1394 works without eating RAM"
SORRY, BUT THAT'S NOT CORRECT EITHER. [/b]
ARCHITECTURE - FIREWIRE VS. USB 2.0
FIREWIRE, BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP FOR SPEED, USES A
\"PEER-TO-PEER\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE PERIPHERALS ARE INTELLIGENT
AND CAN NEGOTIATE BUS CONFLICTS TO DETERMINE WHICH DEVICE CAN BEST
CONTROL A DATA TRANSFER.

USB 2.0 USES A \"MASTER-SLAVE\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE COMPUTER
HANDLES ALL ARBITRATION FUNCTIONS AND DICTATES DATA FLOW TO, FROM, AND
BETWEEN THE ATTACHED PERIPHERALS (ADDING ADDITIONAL SYSTEM OVERHEAD AND
RESULTING IN SLOWER, LESS-EFFICIENT DATA FLOW CONTROL)

[b]\"WHY DOES MS SEEM TO ALMOST SHOVE IT DOWN OUR THROATS - AFTER ALL
WE ARE ALL GROWN UP AND CAN DECIDE FOR OURSELVES WHETHER WE NEED THAT
'EXTRA PROTECTION' OR NOT.
The way I see it, this update was meant for people that don't
understand or care about security. That's why it's being shoved down
your throat.
My2cents,
Treeman


--
Treeman

R

Custom made programs were a seen as a problem around the time of the Y2K era
too.. we all knew that Y2K may be an issue long before the date change, and
in many cases, companies drew up huge plans and paid huge amounts of money
in order to defend against it..

Security has long been an issue in the IT world, and those that call for it
have to accept any measures that are created to help.. Microsoft did their
bit in developing SP2 which was in beta form for quite a while, released in
final form for a while, and after calls from industry, gave them a way to
stop SP2 automatically loading.. if those same companies have sat on their
butts and done little or nothing to incorporating SP2 since that time, then
they have only themselves to blame.. likewise home users.. I understand that
money constraints may affect a home user more than the corporate world in
that the home user can't recover costs through tax breaks.. the choice
giving up using an old application or giving up security is a choice that
they and they alone will have to make..

... And congratulations, R.. welcome to the 'club'.. no profanity or spitting
allowed.. hard hat to be always worn when on site..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"R. McCarty" wrote in message
...
Here's the dilemma. Microsoft gets bashed for lack of Security in it's
OS product line. They opt for more Security in deference to "Ease
of Use" in SP2. Now, the complaint is Microsoft forcing SP2 onto
unwilling customers.
As to Enterprise adoption rates - They want stability and even the
monthly updates gives them support issues. Couple that with the fact
that most IT departments are outsourced - you've got even more of
a "Lag/Procrastination" factor in play. One other "Big" issue with SP2
in Enterprise environments are "In-House" developed apps that have
issues with Service Pack 2.
It's unfortunate that companies ask for more Security and then when
it's available balk at implementing it.


"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
Treeman

I don't see the point in having to be always fully alert when there are
devices, programs, and updates available that will allow me to relax
sometimes.. I want to give my time to being productive, and that does not
include having to be on full alert against every little thing lurking in
the shadows.. having a rearguard in enemy territory is not a sign of
weakness.. it helps the operative get the main job done..

Nobody is being forced to accept SP2.. it can still be stopped.. nobody
is being forced to use a firewall or anti-virus protection other than
some companies that insist ALL workstations run av programs, scanning
software reporting back to system admin the names of operators who fail
to ensure that it is running AND updated.. if you and others feel that a
rearguard in some way diminishes your perceived competence, then so be it
and good luck to you..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Treeman" wrote in message
...

SNIPO[/QUOTE Wrote:

Hi Sitara,
Follow along and then decide for yourself.
"A 180 day grace period was given so that software could be
updated to work with SP2, and
_most_companies_have_patched_their_software_for_SP 2.\"_
LESS THAN A QUARTER OF BUSINESSES IN NORTH AMERICA HAVE INSTALLED
WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2 (SP2) ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY, APRIL 05,
2005 BY ASSETMETRIX.
'SC Magazine' (http://tinyurl.com/6av5r)

"Not only does SP2 significantly enhance the security of Windows XP,
it also updates over 5 million lines of code to _enhance_ the
performance
of Windows XP."
GOOGLE SEARCH; XP SP2 PROBLEMS
RESULTS 1 - 10 OF ABOUT 965,000 FOR XP SP2 PROBLEMS

"-- Better hardware support: IEEE 1394 works without eating RAM"
SORRY, BUT THAT'S NOT CORRECT EITHER. [/b]
ARCHITECTURE - FIREWIRE VS. USB 2.0
FIREWIRE, BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP FOR SPEED, USES A
\"PEER-TO-PEER\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE PERIPHERALS ARE INTELLIGENT
AND CAN NEGOTIATE BUS CONFLICTS TO DETERMINE WHICH DEVICE CAN BEST
CONTROL A DATA TRANSFER.

USB 2.0 USES A \"MASTER-SLAVE\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE COMPUTER
HANDLES ALL ARBITRATION FUNCTIONS AND DICTATES DATA FLOW TO, FROM, AND
BETWEEN THE ATTACHED PERIPHERALS (ADDING ADDITIONAL SYSTEM OVERHEAD AND
RESULTING IN SLOWER, LESS-EFFICIENT DATA FLOW CONTROL)

[b]\"WHY DOES MS SEEM TO ALMOST SHOVE IT DOWN OUR THROATS - AFTER ALL
WE ARE ALL GROWN UP AND CAN DECIDE FOR OURSELVES WHETHER WE NEED THAT
'EXTRA PROTECTION' OR NOT.
The way I see it, this update was meant for people that don't
understand or care about security. That's why it's being shoved down
your throat.
My2cents,
Treeman


--
Treeman

"R. McCarty" writes:
Here's the dilemma. Microsoft gets bashed for lack of Security in it's
OS product line. They opt for more Security in deference to "Ease
of Use" in SP2. Now, the complaint is Microsoft forcing SP2 onto
unwilling customers.
As to Enterprise adoption rates - They want stability and even the
monthly updates gives them support issues. Couple that with the fact
that most IT departments are outsourced - you've got even more of
a "Lag/Procrastination" factor in play. One other "Big" issue with SP2
in Enterprise environments are "In-House" developed apps that have
issues with Service Pack 2.
It's unfortunate that companies ask for more Security and then when
it's available balk at implementing it.

It's unfortunate the way at least a handful of things about SP2
were handled, and that trivial little changes, not rocket science,
could have made them far better.

It's unfortunate that this whole "forcing it down people's throats"
business was entirely the result of the way that Microsoft worded
that little announcement about the 6 month delay. Nobody went out
and dreamed up that Microsoft made the announcement of 6 months the
way they did. Had that little announcement been worded slightly
differently this mess could have been likely avoided. It wouldn't
have taken rocket science to see how some would interpret that or
to have a very good estimate of how fast SP2 would be adopted.

It's unfortunate that the stream of "I have the home version of XP,
where is SP2 for it" and the "My splash screen took away Pro, or
Home, is this broken" and I'm guessing maybe the vast majority of
little misunderstandings about SP2 were because someone at Microsoft
forgot to include the little "Top 20 Questions about SP2 you just
installed, ANSWERED!" Who knows who it was that forgot to include
that little file. It would have defused lots of people's confusion
and questions. It wouldn't have taken rocket science to include
that.

It's unfortunate that supposedly a $1 billion was spent on SP2
because of all the compromised machines out there but that nothing
appears to have been built into the installation process itself to
deal with the fact that it might be being installed onto a compromised
machine. Only months later did Microsoft's web site get updated
to begin addressing the business of what you should have done before
you tried to install SP2. It wouldn't have taken rocket science
to check for the "it is all viruses and spyware" that has been
chanted 10^19 times here. It wouldn't have taken rocket science
to build a database of known problem app and dll and driver versions
and have the install process warn about those before install failed.

It's unfortunate that for months after SP2 was released it was
repeatedly claimed that SP2 did NOTHING to fix any problem with
software that you might already have, that if you had an existing
problem don't think SP2 was going to fix it, find a way to fix that
yourself before you even think of installing SP2. I thought this
was the silliest claim I had seen in years. Nobody spends years
combing software looking for massive fu&k-ups but not actually
fixing any of them. Only months later did Microsoft's web site
finally actually admit that yes they had fixed hundreds of existing
bugs in the product and provide a laundry list of hundreds of
existing problems that SP2 did fix. It wouldn't have taken rocket
science to change that.

I'd make a wild guess and say that perhaps more than half the issues
people had with SP2 could have been avoided if these non-rocket-science
relatively trivial little things, far simpler than "rewriting
millions of lines of code", had been done.

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
Treeman

I don't see the point in having to be always fully alert when there are
devices, programs, and updates available that will allow me to relax
sometimes.. I want to give my time to being productive, and that does not
include having to be on full alert against every little thing lurking in
the shadows.. having a rearguard in enemy territory is not a sign of
weakness.. it helps the operative get the main job done..

Nobody is being forced to accept SP2.. it can still be stopped.. nobody is
being forced to use a firewall or anti-virus protection other than some
companies that insist ALL workstations run av programs, scanning software
reporting back to system admin the names of operators who fail to ensure
that it is running AND updated.. if you and others feel that a rearguard
in some way diminishes your perceived competence, then so be it and good
luck to you..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm





"Treeman" wrote in message
...

SNIPO[/QUOTE Wrote:

Hi Sitara,
Follow along and then decide for yourself.
"A 180 day grace period was given so that software could be
updated to work with SP2, and
_most_companies_have_patched_their_software_for_SP 2.\"_
LESS THAN A QUARTER OF BUSINESSES IN NORTH AMERICA HAVE INSTALLED
WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2 (SP2) ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY, APRIL 05,
2005 BY ASSETMETRIX.
'SC Magazine' (http://tinyurl.com/6av5r)

"Not only does SP2 significantly enhance the security of Windows XP,
it also updates over 5 million lines of code to _enhance_ the
performance
of Windows XP."
GOOGLE SEARCH; XP SP2 PROBLEMS
RESULTS 1 - 10 OF ABOUT 965,000 FOR XP SP2 PROBLEMS

"-- Better hardware support: IEEE 1394 works without eating RAM"
SORRY, BUT THAT'S NOT CORRECT EITHER. [/b]
ARCHITECTURE - FIREWIRE VS. USB 2.0
FIREWIRE, BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP FOR SPEED, USES A
\"PEER-TO-PEER\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE PERIPHERALS ARE INTELLIGENT
AND CAN NEGOTIATE BUS CONFLICTS TO DETERMINE WHICH DEVICE CAN BEST
CONTROL A DATA TRANSFER.

USB 2.0 USES A \"MASTER-SLAVE\" ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH THE COMPUTER
HANDLES ALL ARBITRATION FUNCTIONS AND DICTATES DATA FLOW TO, FROM, AND
BETWEEN THE ATTACHED PERIPHERALS (ADDING ADDITIONAL SYSTEM OVERHEAD AND
RESULTING IN SLOWER, LESS-EFFICIENT DATA FLOW CONTROL)

[b]\"WHY DOES MS SEEM TO ALMOST SHOVE IT DOWN OUR THROATS - AFTER ALL
WE ARE ALL GROWN UP AND CAN DECIDE FOR OURSELVES WHETHER WE NEED THAT
'EXTRA PROTECTION' OR NOT.
The way I see it, this update was meant for people that don't
understand or care about security. That's why it's being shoved down
your throat.
My2cents,
Treeman


--
Treeman

Microsoft is "so keen" because SP-2 make computers more secure.
You most likely need SP-2.
Or are you referring to the misinformation stating SP-2 will be forced on a
computer?
If so that is simply not true.
You can easily control the installation of SP-2 the same as any other
update.
In fact there is another step you need to take with SP-2.
SP-2 will not install unless you also accept the EULA:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/forcesp2.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
http://www.dts-l.org


"Sitara Lal" wrote in message
...
Why is MS so keen to have as many XP users ''upgrade' to SP2 as possible?
Even if SP2 offers superior security, why does MS seem to almost shove it
down our throats - after all we are all grown up and can decide for
ourselves whether we need that 'extra protection' or not.

On Wed, 13 Apr 2005 19:14:46 GMT, Leythos wrote:

On Wed, 13 Apr 2005 11:51:39 -0500, Don Taylor wrote:

I'd make a wild guess and say that perhaps more than half the issues
people had with SP2 could have been avoided if these non-rocket-science
relatively trivial little things, far simpler than "rewriting millions
of lines of code", had been done.

The above pretty much sums up your entire rant/post. What you failed to
understand is that it's UP TO YOU to make sure that a system and installed
applications/hardware works with anything else you install, including
service packs.

MS has always been quite clear about updates/service packs - you should
test them on non-critical machines before you roll them out. Any competent
computer person already knows this, even if they ignore it.

Yes, there are applications that don't work well with SP2, but, it was up
to YOU to check with the vendor and test them on a non-critical/production
machine before making the change on those types of machines.

As for compromised machines, heck, if people are ignorant enough to get
compromised, then install anything and blame the anything, they are just
too ignorant to be using computers in the first place (yea, that will
offend those types of people, but, it's really simple, if you can't
maintain it, get someone that can).

Sure! All home users have a non-critical machine upon which to test
MS critical updates. Sure! Getting a virus or malware identifies
folks who are too ignorant to be using computers.

This kind of post renders all your other post questionable. You are
some piece of work Leythos!