Windows users: Updating to SP2?

[LTR]

Poll question: Windows users: Updating to SP2?

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=509&e=10&u=/ap/microsoft_security

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. is close to releasing the biggest update ever for the Windows operating system, aiming to plug holes that have led to massive security problems for computer users the world over.

Microsoft senior product manager Matt Pilla said late Wednesday that it is expected to release the update for Windows XP, called Service Pack 2, "in the coming days."

(snip)

The update comes in response to a series of Internet viruses and other attacks that have slowed businesses and hurt consumers.

Service Pack 2 bolsters security on a number of fronts. Among the changes, it automatically turns on a firewall to better guard against attempts to infiltrate personal computers.

The update also fortifies protections on the Internet Explorer browser and offers tougher policing against e-mail-borne attacks. And it provides a user with much more information about what programs are trying to contact the computer, and gives the user more chances to accept or decline.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Caveat Updater:

This thing will, as M$ admits, break stuff. Software will stop working. Services will start doing new and strange things.

I would strongly recommend that if you are at all nervous or unschooled in doing this stuff, pay to have it done.

[Nlighten1]

2. I see this on Windows Update.

On the WU site they are saying that the SP2 will be downloaded via the "automatic update" feature. This is a departure from the past and a scary one.

[LTR]

3. If worried, turn off Auto Update

I download it occasionally, but I am a step ahead of Microsoft. I'm firewalled to the teeth (Norton and a router). I use a dummy HOSTS file, and scan for spyware often.

I'll wait a bit for the horror stories to subside. I'm a wee bit skeptical of Microsoft.

[Nomad559]

4. SP2

The majority of people using SP2 are not having any problems with It, myself Included.

[LTR]

7. Custom theme?

Looks nice.

Any problems with installation? Conflict with firewalls or other software?

[Nomad559]

8. Custom theme

No custom theme, this theme Is the XP Silver theme.

I've only found one little problem, the WLIB streaming audio link will not work, the player loads and appears to be streaming, but I hear no sound.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Nomad669/AirAmerica.htm

But I only have this problem with one of my systems with SP2, the other systems are ok.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Third option...

Fuck 'em!

I will continue to use W98 and Linux until I can afford a Mac.

[LiberalTechie1337]

6. Linux is the only way to go