Re: Worth the Upgrade to SP2?
- From: "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 10 May 2005 13:15:13 -0500
Steve Marshall wrote:
> I have XP Pro SP1 on my always connected machine (cable) with Zone
> Alarm Pro, SpyBot Search & Destroy, Spyware Blaster, CW Shredder,
> and Adaware SE with all updates installed. I also run them
> frequently and rarely come up with any parasites or tracking
> cookies.
> Is there another reason for me to upgrade to SP2?
Shenan Stanley wrote:
> You mean your mention of AntiSpyware and your use of a third party
> firewall and a comparison with what you do now (in respect to those
> two things) and what you will do after you patch with SP2...
>
> - SP2 really isn't going to help you with spyware except for the
> pop-up blocker (maybe). The Add-On Manager in Internet Explorer
> could help you get rid of some of the parasites you collect..
> - As for the firewall, well you already are running a third party
> firewall.. Which you would likely do with SP2 installed and
> rightfully so, as it allows you to (if you manage/understand the
> firewall you are using) manage outgoing as well as incoming traffic
> - so if you get infected with something, you are more likely to know.
>
> So, you say you searched the web for reasons to patch other than
> those two but found nothing.. Let's make sure we have the same
> notes of reasons given to patch with SP2..
>
> First, there is of course Microsoft's own "Top 10" list of reasons:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx
>
> Well, that's a pretty generalized list.. but this ones gives you a
> more detailed version..
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/features.mspx
>
> And then going another level and explain the specific "additions" to
> Windows XP that SP2 provides...
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/technologiesoverview.mspx
>
> I believe Mike Hall has pointed to this article:
> http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1724107,00.asp
>
> If I was to give one personal reason for someone to upgrade to SP2,
> it would be simple.. Stay up to date. If you do not stay ahead of
> those who would just as well ruin your computer as anything else,
> then you are inviting them in. Sooner or later (September 17, 2006
> or so) support for your OS will be terminated, and while you believe
> (and you are likely correct) you do not use the support from
> Microsoft, you do in a way by applying patches - and many patches
> will begin requiring SP2 to install..
> But - you don't HAVE to upgrade.. It's not my responsibility to
> convince you (or really anyone's) to upgrade. If you feel you are
> safe, then there will be no changing your mind anyway. All I can do
> is tell you that it's not a bad thing to upgrade, you do get
> improved security and functionaility (for free) that many would PAY
> for when it comes to other operating systems. You should prepare
> your system for the worse *if* you decide to upgrade - as things can
> and do go wrong with major upgrades all the time, don't be a victim
> either way.
> You seem to have a good start on maintaining your system, but
> perhaps there is something you are not doing that you will find in
> my list of tips. You use Spybot - but do you immunize with it? Do
> you take it's advice and use SpywareBlaster? Ever heard of
> IE-SpyAD? Have you considered other firewalls than ZoneAlarm? Do
> you cleanup your hard drive and installed applications
> occassionally? What about services and other startups - have you
> managed them? Your Internet Explorer cache size, have you ever
> looked at/considered that? How often do you run Disk Cleanup and
> erase unneeded files (like old system restores)? How often do you
> perform backupsand which antivirus application do you currently use
> - have you ever used a free online one to double-check the validity
> of the one you currently have installed?
<SNIP>
Steve Marshall wrote:
> Thank you all for your thoughtful and helpful answers and links to
> other pages of information. I have ordered the CD and will install.
You are welcome, Steve. Be sure to prepare before you install.. Backup
important things.. Heck, if you already have Symantec/Norton Ghost - backup
the ENTIRE thing. Never can be too safe! Check for hardware driver
upgrades and patches for specific applications as well.. Then dive in!
--
>=- Shenan -=<
>=- MS MVP -=<
--
The information above is intended to assist you; however, it is
suggested you research for yourself before you take any advice - you
are the one ultimately responsible for your actions/problems/solutions.
Whenever possible, the advice will include the method/places used in
compiling the answer. Also, questions may have been asked to clarify
your situation OR to give you an idea of where to look - do not dismiss
them lightly.
.
- References:
- Worth the Upgrade to SP2?
- From: Steve Marshall
- Re: Worth the Upgrade to SP2?
- From: Shenan Stanley
- Re: Worth the Upgrade to SP2?
- From: Steve Marshall
- Worth the Upgrade to SP2?
- Prev by Date: Problems with Windows Update and shutdown!
- Next by Date: Win XP Icon to allow access to the desktop from the quick launch b
- Previous by thread: Re: Worth the Upgrade to SP2?
- Next by thread: msconfig wont open
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
