Thank you to Lance and Art and each of you who've written about this. Your help in this area is wonderful and will keep me researching, recording, and reading rather than possibly trying to deal with problems! Marie -----Original Message----- From: Lance [mailto:hty31b5@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2004 4:51 PM To: GEN-COMP-TIPS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: [Gen-Comp-Tips] Windows XP service pack Keeping abreast of computer issues is a difficult task, and I like to leave that to the acknowledged experts in the field to keep me in touch. My newsletters I have received all seem to lean towards WAITING before installing Win XP Service Pack 2. Why? In essence Service Pack 2 deals with security issues and is designed to literally force those users of the Internet who don't have up to date firewalls or anti-virus programs installed and kept current, at present, into having them, whether they like it or not. Now, if you fall into that category, DON'T DELAY! Install SP2 ASAP! If you have an up to date firewall and AV program (or two) installed, you can wait until potential bugs are ironed out. Simple isn't it? You just have to decide which category you are in. But don't take my word for it. Read what some of the well-known Windows experts have to say: http://langa.com/newsletters/2004/2004-08-16.htm http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/60.htm http://channelzone.ziffdavis.com/article2/0,1759,1633858,00.asp http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=2210420 7 As you will read, this is not just a simple patch; it is a virtual upgrade to a new OS (but still using the same name). It is large - 75 MB - so those on dial-up may need to request a CD copy from Microsoft (it's free). The final decision lies with each individual. Lance -----Original Message----- From: dolphin213 [mailto:dolphin213@cox.net] Sent: Monday, 16 August 2004 06:14 To: GEN-COMP-TIPS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [Gen-Comp-Tips] Windows XP service pack Jean, >Microsoft is about to issue >a > > large Service Pack for XP. You can read more about this and how to >prepare > > your computer at: _http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx_ >(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx) > >A word of caution --------- at my computer class on Friday, my instructor >warned not to be in a big rush to download this service pack. He suggested >waiting for about a month --- maybe to work out the "glitches"? For >what it's >worth------------ >Jean in CA While I hate to disagree with your instructor, if you go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs. Scroll down the list towards the bottom, look for Windows XP Hotfix. You should see that there are several SP2 patches already installed. This is of course if your computer is kept up-to-date. Microsoft originally planned to release this SP in the spring. It has undergone several changes since that time. The fact that most of the updates evolve security, those people with broadband connections should not wait. People on dial-up service "may" be able to wait as they are not as vulnerable to attacks. I have seen warnings about each and every Service Pack that Microsoft has ever put out. Some, if not all, are put out by the very people that would like to get into your system. If there are so many problems with it, as I've heard on various lists, could you tell me why every major computer magazine in the US is recommending that you do not delay with the installation? Just my thoughts and opinion. Art ==== GEN-COMP-TIPS Mailing List ==== To unsubscribe from this list send a message to GEN-COMP-TIPS-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of the message. ============================== Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 --- avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 0433-3, 2004-08-13 Tested on: 16/08/2004 8:50:20 AM avast! - copyright (c) 2000-2004 ALWIL Software. http://www.avast.com ==== GEN-COMP-TIPS Mailing List ==== DO NOT open unexpected file attachments from people, even if you know them. Verify with the sender first. This may be your only line of defence, other than AV Software, against mail "viruses" ============================== Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.735 / Virus Database: 489 - Release Date: 8/6/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.735 / Virus Database: 489 - Release Date: 8/6/2004