Latest about .. Microsofts Windows XP Service Pack 2

Latest from CNET (dated 8/10/04)

Microsoft: Better late than never

The world of Windows news watchers has been abuzz over the upcoming release of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. Microsoft is making the release available to Microsoft Developer Network members today, August 10, and will push it out to Windows users via the Automatic Update feature on August 25.

Microsoft's mission with Service Pack 2 is to increase overall security in Windows XP and head off any more negative publicity caused by security exploits. Service Pack 2 will turn on XP's internal firewall by default. (I will be turning it right back off because I use ZoneAlarm for my firewall.) Both Outlook and Outlook Express will keep any e-mail attachments in a sandbox where they can't automatically interact with the system. This should prevent many worms and viruses.

The most visible changes will be in Internet Explorer, with the introduction of a pop-up blocker. I've been waiting for this feature for quite a while and can't wait to put it through its paces. Microsoft also is improving IE's add-on management, which should let you see and remove any spyware installed as a browser helper object. Many of these changes are long overdue, but very welcome nonetheless. If you're on the fence about whether to install the Service Pack, find out what the CNET editors thought in their First Take.

Wayne Cunningham
Senior Editor, CNET Download.com