Re: Church computer, win xp 2002, needs updates - internet not an opti


"HillBillyBuddhist" <hillbillybuddhist@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:umllMMs4FHA.3416@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://spaces.msn.com/members/hillbillybuddhist/

> "Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:%23BIsCCq4FHA.1148@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

> | I would install at least SP2.. However - most patches are truly for
> | "connected" computers.
> |
>
> I respectfully disagree.
>
> If the computer is doing everything you require of it, and is never going to
> be connected to a network (Internet included) leave it alone.

And I respectfully disagree with you.

As a minimum SP2 /should/ be installed for the following reasons:
(1) Beginning in late 2006 you will not be able to get new updates for SP1
systems, you'll need to install SP2 first, just as today you cannot get new
updates for RTM systems, you must install at least SP1 first.

(2) SP2 contains /MANY/ non-security related critical fixes which affect
the stability and performance of Windows XP systems, in general, without any
consideration to whether the system is connected to the Internet or not.

(3) There are numerous non-security related Critical Updates and other
Updates, that affect the performance of the system, regardless of whether it's
connected to the Internet, and these updates /should/ be installed.

> While most SP2 installations go smoothly (mine all did) there is a
> percentage that cause problems. Sometimes catastrophic enough that
> reformatting the computer and starting fresh has been required. While in my
> opinion the security benefits outweigh this potential risk for a connected
> computer, for a standalone unit there is little to gain. If something should
> go awry the ability to (easily) fix the problem may be hampered by the lack
> of an Internet connection. Many of the resources of which you might avail
> yourself in such a situation are online.

Lest the paranoa get in the way of your underinformed opinion of the gains
obtained from SP2, let me point out that in every case where some
'catastrophic' problem occurred as a result of installing SP2, I can guarantee
you that the system was already FUBAR before the installation of SP2 was
initiated. Installing SP2 merely 'uncovered' the real status of those systems.

> I would ask myself this in your situation. "What is the computer not able to
> do now that I think an update would address?" If the answer is "nothing"
> then nothing is broken. Don't try to fix it.

Yes... provided one has /read/ EVERY product update bulletin published and has
made an educated determination that none of the product updates will impact
the current operation of the system.

> If on the other hand if you are having issues of some sort that appear to be
> addressed by SP2 then it may be worth your while to try. That only you can
> decide. I would not do a major update simply "because it's there" in your
> situation.

EVERYBODY is having some sort of "issue" that will be addressed by SP2. The
question is: Do they know it yet, or is it still hidden from them.

> --
> Doug
>
> I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
> I was just trying to help.
> Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
> advice herein.
> No warranty is expressed or implied.
> Your mileage may vary.
> See store for details. :)
>
> Remove shoes to E-mail.
>
>


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Do i need SP2?
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