Ref: WinXP Service Pack 2 - Update Information & Precautions

This info was provided to me via our ISPs' E-Bulletin ... and figger'd it may
could (still) prove to be of some beneficial reading for some of you folks also.
- Magpye
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Update Information And Precautions

Microsoft's purpose for this free security software is to make users of Windows XP safer from cyberattacks. The plan is to release the software update gradually to Windows XP users across the globe over a several month time period.

Microsoft has since added some new helpful resources for XP users who plan to download or have already downloaded SP2 from the Microsoft website. (Note that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is still a work-in-progress. Download the early version of SP2 at your own risk.)

Helpful Windows XP SP2 Resources:

Microsoft's SP2 Support Center - Microsoft has developed an online Support Center for Windows XP users who have already or who are considering downloading SP2. Use this link to reach the Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=windowsxpsp2

What Happens If Your Computer Won't Start After Installing SP2? - Apparently this happens. Uh oh! Microsoft provides information to assist users when this occurs. Go to: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875355&product=windowsxpsp2

Firewall Information - Windows XP users have the option to continue to use their current firewall protection and turn off the firewall software (called "Windows Firewall") that comes with SP2. To find out more about Windows Firewall and how to adjust the settings after downloading SP2, go to: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=843090&product=windowsxpsp2

Ordering Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) On CD - Microsoft now has a specific link for ordering SP2 on CD. To order, click on this link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx The web page says to allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Precautionary Items Regarding Windows XP Service Pack 2:

You may want to consider waiting to download this early version of SP2. Keep in mind that SP2 is a work-in-progress. Microsoft's goals for SP2 are admirable but, as is the case with the release of any new software, there are bound to be bugs. SP2 is no exception. Download the early version of SP2 at your own risk.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 DOES NOT REPLACE the need for third-party a) Virus Protection, b) E-mail Filtering, or c) Firewall Protection. If you use third party anti-virus software programs from companies like Symantec and McAfee, for instance, you'll still need to continue to regularly update your software and scan e-mail attachments for viruses as you've done in the past. SP2 does not include robust protection in these three areas.

Some software programs may not work after downloading SP2. Microsoft admits that SP2 has caused compatibility issues with other software programs -- even some Microsoft programs. We suggest that you contact your software vendors before you download SP2 to make sure their software is compatible. For a list of dozens of software programs which may incur performance issues once a user downloads SP2, go to: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242&product=windowsxpsp2

The firewall installed when you download SP2 is automatically "turned on." An Internet firewall helps to protect against intruders gaining access to (hacking into) your computer via the Internet. Unlike the Windows XP program you have now, SP2 makes the firewall feature "turned on" by default. This new firewall protection is actually the cause of many of the performance issues of software programs mentioned in item #3 above.

SP2 may take a long time to download. Users of Windows XP may find challenges when attempting to download SP2 via the Internet. Microsoft estimates that download file sizes could range anywhere from 80 megabytes to 270 megabytes. That's big. Depending on your Internet connection speed, the download process could become very lengthy. The alternative is to order a free installation CD-ROM from Microsoft. (See above for more information.)