newsletterarchive.htm________________

If you are running Windows XP and don’t know what to do about Microsoft’s “Service Release 2” (SR2) you’re not alone. There is much confusion, with volumes being written both pro and con. Well I’m writing this newsletter not to add to the confusion, but to help you make a decision. Let me hasten to say, there is no “one size fits all” answer. I guess first we should ask what is the purpose of SR2. It’s basically a security fix that regularly checks for new Microsoft updates to keep your security current. Although, some my take the view this is “Big Brother” ploy by Microsoft. The following is the SR2 outline from the Microsoft web site.

Security Center: The Windows XP SR2 update includes a new feature called the security center. This allows security, Automatic Updates and Firewall settings to be changed and updated. Security center also monitors the status of the firewall, the virus updates and Windows updates and allows the user to be notified when the software is in need of updates.
Automatic updates: This feature allows Windows updates to be performed when and how the user wants them to be performed. Updates can be set automatically to scan for and update at a certain time, or can notify the user when there is an update but does not download them. Updates can be turned off so that they can be manually downloaded.
Windows Firewall: This updates the previous Internet connection firewall that was installed with the previous version of Windows XP. This allows the Windows XP system to be protected from incoming and outgoing attacks. The firewall will display a dialog box when the system is trying to access the internet connection or the internet is trying to access the system. These settings can be set to allow automatic approval or it can be set to ask the user every time
Popup Blocker: SR2 includes a popup blocker that can be set to display popups permanently for a website or temporarily display the popups.
Updates to Outlook Express: Updates to Outlook Express prevent HTML code within messages to be executed without the user's permission. Updates to Instant Massager block attachments from either email or messages to be opened and executed without the user's permission. Windows Media player is updated with security features as well to protect the system from attacks. Windows Media PCs' and Tablet PC's are updated with specialized features to take advantage of their specific hardware. Windows XP also includes more updates for wireless and bluetooth devices and hardware.
Updates to Internet Explorer: Internet Explorer is updated to prevent attacks and security that have effected the software in the past.

You should also visit Microsoft’s SR2 frequently asked questions web page -“http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-gb;winxpfaq”. SR1 must have already applied before you can apply SR2.

Some of your software, mainly Virus Protection, may not work. You can check out the known (admitted) software issues at http://support.Microsoft.com/?id=884130.This problem with the virus programs is a hitch but not a showstopper. Although, you will get an annoying message every time you boot your system – this does serve as a reminder to keep your virus protection software updated. There is good free downloadable virus software named Avast Home “http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html”. I’m sure there are others but I know this one is good and works with SR2.

If you feel your computer is safe from outside attacks – you already have a firewall, you keep your virus protection up-to-date, you’re running spyware you may not need SR2. Keep in mind future changes and updates to the operating system will require that SR2 be installed.

Finally, if your system and software is static and does what you need don’t install SR2. In other words - if it ain’t broke don’t fixit. Most of us will (and should) go on, like the lemming we are, and install this service release. I do feel all things considered this is a good thing. Be sure and backup your important data files before installing SR2

You can download SR2 at “http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx”

If you are using a dial-up connection I recommend not downloading. Instead, go to “www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/” it’s free but will take four to six weeks for delivery.

THIS MONTHS TIP: – To stop the AutoRun when you insert a CD hold down the left shift key for approximately 11 seconds.

Good luck

Paul Gray

If you have interest in IT Management information/education please visit my friend and mentor Mike Sisco web site:

MDE Enterprises www.mde.net

Mike Sisco created MDE Enterprises to:

"provide insight and tools to help IT managers of the world achieve more success".

MDE'e web site includes free articles, a free newsletter, and tools from Mike's twenty-plus years of management experience. He has written fifteen books and published an IT Manager ToolKit. MDE also offers IT management consulting services and provides a full curriculum of IT manager training programs.

To be removed from this email list please send an email to soho@russell-gray.com with remove in the subject line.

SOHO_01_01