It is almost a month since the public release of Win XP SP 2 and already there is much talk on installation and
compatibility issues. There are also discovery of new vulnerabilities. Expecting SP 2 to fix everthing, leaving
Win XP to be totally free from vulnerabilities will be a bit far-fetched. There is no perfect software.
Proper usage and configuration of the system also play a critical role. There is no point installing a good
firewall when you configure it to allow everything to go through, or run an anti-virus scanner but yet do not
bother to to update the virus definition. Worst still if you always click on executables without second
thoughts whether they are trusted or free from malcodes.
If you have not install SP 2 because it is too big for you to download, you can try to buy it from local market on CD.
Before you start installing SP 2, it is recommended that you back up your data and read the release notes.
In the event that the SP 2 setup program is not completed successfully and you need to recover your
computer to its previous configuration, Microsoft has an article on how to recover your computer to a
bootable state and to remove Windows XP SP2 if Windows does not start correctly after you try to upgrade
your computer: http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;875355
With the release of SP 2, Microsoft has also updated the Windows XP Security Guide and the Antivirus
Defense-in-Depth Guide:
Windows XP Security Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec...p/default.mspx
The Windows® XP Security Guide v2.0 describes the features and recommended settings for Microsoft
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). The Guide includes thoroughly tested templates for security settings for
Windows Firewall, which replaces Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). Information is provided about closing
ports, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) communications, memory protection, e-mail handling, Web download
controls, spyware controls, and much more. also it includes Media Player 9 and all the fixes since SP1, so all
you have to do it install Xp and RUn the SP2 setup.
The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sec.../avdind_0.mspx
The information presented in the Antivirus Defense-in-Depth guide has been updated to reflect
the security improvements provided as part of Windows XP Service Pack 2. A number of the features in
Windows XP Service Pack 2 have made it more difficult for malware to attack a Windows XP-based computer.
The updates to this guide are designed to ensure that these enhancements are identified and explained.
Have a nice weekend and hope you enjoy reading them.