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The Security Center warning of the fact no virus
protection is installed.
Pop-up blocker at work in Notification bar (look
under Address bar)
The improved Windows Firewall
"Help Protect Your PC" - Automatically Update your
computer!
Wireless Network Setup Wizard
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After a long wait, Windows
XP Service Pack 2 released finally on August 25. Windows XP Service
Pack 2 has had probably one of the longest lead up times of any
operating system update in Microsoft’s history. In fact, no other
update has probably had the amount of fanfare Service Pack 2 has had
except for when Windows 98 Second Edition launched.
At the time of the release of Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft
believed they would not be releasing a product before Windows XP
(computer buffs would realise that they actually did – a very buggy
Windows ME) and released a whole series of updates to improve access
to the internet, such as Internet Explorer 5, Internet Connection
Sharing, Windows NetMeeting 3, other updates as well as including
Service Pack 1 for Windows 98. The result was a very stable operating
system which many computer users (and many of our clients) continue to use
still to this day.
Microsoft may be playing a similar hand with Windows XP Service Pack 2.
Like Windows 98 Second Edition, it builds on the foundations of its
predecessor and adds many new features. In particular, Windows XP
Service Pack 2 has improved particularly on the security side of the
operating system, something many have been eagerly awaiting to see
happen for some time. Unfortunately, they have not solved all the
security woes yet, with Microsoft having a number of updates recently
that have again caused concern amongst the computer industry. However,
they are making progress. Microsoft say that many of the changes in
Windows XP Service Pack 2 are behind the scenes, so we’ll go in depth
now with what you will see when you install the latest update:
Security Center: Perhaps Microsoft’s greatest argument for
installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 is the new Security Center. The
Security Center allows you to monitor your security settings for your
firewall, automatic updates and virus protection and resolve issues
from a single screen. Unfortunately this sounds great in practice but
your firewall and virus protection must be able to communicate to the
Security Centre for it to work effectively.
Internet Explorer: In Internet Explorer, there are several new
features, Pop-Up Blocker and Manage Add-Ons. Pop-Up blocker should be
fairly obvious by its name. It blocks pop-ups appearing and puts them
in a new “information bar” which is where notifications happen, such
as whether you would like to download a file from the internet. The Manage
Add-Ons feature is very limited but does allow you to enable and
disable add-ons (such as certain spyware) that have installed
themselves into Internet Explorer.
Outlook Express: Outlook Express follows Outlook’s suit by
preventing images and web code from being downloaded and viewed
automatically. Often spammers send a unique “beacon” such as an image
or a link on an email, and if this is downloaded or clicked on, the
spammer knows the email address is active. By preventing images and
certain web coding in email, Outlook Express can prevent them from
identifying you as an active email account.
Windows Firewall: The original Internet Connection Firewall in
Windows XP was very difficult to use and configure. Most times, I’d
recommend to clients to get a product like Norton Internet Security or
ZoneAlarm. However, the Windows Firewall has been improved greatly. For
starters, it is now on by default. The interface is easier to understand and set up. Whilst I would
still recommend a third-party firewall, this update makes considerable
improvements that make it worthwhile even just to run until you can
install and run Windows properly and then install another one after
that.
Automatic Update: Improvements too are noticeable in how
Automatic Updates operate. On install Windows XP Service Pack 2, you
are given a request to turn on Automatic Updates. Whilst some computer
professionals and system administrators may be pulling their hair out
at the thought, turning on updates could also help prevent some of the
viruses and bugs from going out too wide out into the public. At this
stage, there is no right or wrong way decided upon by the experts.
Wireless and Bluetooth: If you are fortunate enough to have
wireless or Bluetooth technology on your computer, the feature you
will be clapping your hands about it is the new Wireless Network Setup
Wizard in Windows XP Service Pack 2. What’s better is that it will
secure it for you. Whilst the technicalities would be too detailed to
go into here, you’ll find it so much better than what was in the
original Windows XP or even in Service Pack 1!
Microsoft is getting closer to the real computer issues and becoming a
more security-orientated company. However, there is some way to go
yet. For starters, Windows now has an integrated firewall, but where is
the anti-virus scanner and spyware cleaner? Hopefully it's in the
pipeline for the next service pack or Windows edition.
To get a copy of Windows XP Service Pack 2 Microsoft is recommending
that all computer users ensure their “Automatic Updates” feature is
turned on so that you can download it onto your computer when your
internet connection is on but not in use, but even broadband users
will find it takes a while. Our recommendation is you order the free
CD directly from
Microsoft. Not only will it save you
considerable time and money in downloading it, you’ll also have it on
CD should you ever need to clear your computer and start over and not
have to download it again!
CyberGuru wishes to advise installing a major update such as this is
not for the fainthearted. You will be required to make backups and
make settings later that you may be unsure about. If you are a
beginner or feel you would likely need assistance, please contact us
and make a booking and we’ll do the hard work for you.
| Scorecard:
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security
Technologies |
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Score: 8.5 out of 10
Pros: Major improvements in areas described above, and the
Security Center.
Cons: No integrated anti-virus scanner and
spyware cleaner.
Price:
Free upgrade CD from Windows XP,
Prices for other operating systems and vary between stores.
Distributor: Most computer software stores.
Web Site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp |
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