If there is one thing Microsoft is most worried about is, competition! And with Linux and Mac OS-X going overboard with internet security, there is no wonder Microsoft has come out with an excellent package of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.(Better known as SP2)
Now what makes SP 2 so special? well in simple words and for an average
computer user, it means security. Its nothing more than security updates and new security features.
Installation: You can get SP2 on Microsoft’s website or on download.com.(Mind you SP2 is whooping 256 mb and will take more than 8 hours to download with dial up) You can also order it from MS or get it as a free ware. After successful installation it will ask you to restart the PC.(I got it on a pirated CD from a friend:)
The’Fire’ Wall: On startup you will immediately notice the revamped Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall(ICF). In Service Pack 2, Microsoft has built on the foundation of the original firewall. Clicking on the Exceptions tab gives the user a list of programs and services that can be blocked and opened.
With this application-level firewall control, ICF now only opens ports when the appropriate program is running, whereas previous versions would leave the ports open all the time. It also allows you UPnP(Universal Plug n Play) forwarding, so you can hide the identity of ports.(This facility is mostly available in Routers and layer3 switches!)
Pop-Up Blocker:Finally, Microsoft has addressed some oft-repeated requests.First up is the pop-up blocker with the i-explorer.When you stumble on a site with a pop-up, IE plays a gentle tone and then displays an icon in its status bar. If you want to view the pop-up you can click on pop up window options or you can temporarily allow a pop up.Thats Great!
IE and Outlook:Along with pop up blocker, Internet Explorer has updated dialogue box for those websites that want to install plug-ins.Also outlook has preview window like Outlook 2003.
Blasting the Blaster: Remember blaster worm which created havoc last year? Well now the SP2 has a new system level protection which prevents the susceptibility of RPC( Remote Procedure Call), with behaviour of the ICF as a real firewall, the complete Privileges to RPC
are no longer present and this is a very good move from Microsoft.
Windows Update and WZC:Windows Update also has a few other options that are new. Other improvements include Smart Downloading, which allows for resuming of downloads; a smarter method of updating, which will allow you to apply the newest update that is applicable for your computer; and an ability to select all patches with just one click. Also there is enhanced support for Wireless Zero Configuration.
XP the Xtra Pain:I did not have any issues installing and running XP2 on my P3 machine however there is sometimes a problem with AMD 2000 and the screen goes blue or cursor hangs. Those of you who use
Intel Centrino Laptops may face issues with wireless connection dropping as ICF blocks ICMP packets(so you can’t ping).
Conclusion:All in all in terms of improvement of security for SOHO users SP2 is a great relief from Microsoft’s(Hail Bill Gates!)
With more powerful firewall, improved support for updates, Pop-up blocker and wireless, Windows Xp SP2 is definitely worth a try. Also if in case you don’t like it, you can always uninstall it!
So if you don’t have SP2, download it now! It sure is a great package, Go get It!