SP2 now what?

[James]

I've downloaded the service pack. Now... before I go ahead and install
it, is there anything I should do to prepare? I might add... I use NS
7.2 so will that impact upon anything? Also, I use the free version of
ZA. Is it advisable to keep it? I understand that SP 2 comes with a
beefed-up version of its firewall, but I'd just as soon keep ZA. Will I
need to uncheck SP 2's firewall since I believe it comes already
configured? Thanks.

 

[Phil]

I've downloaded the service pack. Now... before I go ahead and install
it, is there anything I should do to prepare?

Back up your personal files, just in case.

I might add... I use NS
7.2 so will that impact upon anything?

I don't think so. Firefox(another mozilla product) works fine.

Also, I use the free version of
ZA. Is it advisable to keep it?
Yes.

I understand that SP 2 comes with a
beefed-up version of its firewall, but I'd just as soon keep ZA. Will
I need to uncheck SP 2's firewall since I believe it comes already
configured? Thanks.

Depends on your version of ZA. SP2 security center sees the lastest version
of za only.

 

[Tony Talmage]

I understand that SP 2 comes with a
beefed-up version of its firewall

<snip>

I was under the impression the only thing new about the firewall was the
fact that it is enabled by default - it still does not monitor outgoing
traffic.

 

[root]

I've downloaded the service pack. Now... before I go ahead and install
it, is there anything I should do to prepare? I might add... I use NS
7.2 so will that impact upon anything?

Disable before install. Pull network plug.

Also, I use the free version of
ZA.

Uninstall ZA.

Is it advisable to keep it? I understand that SP 2 comes with a
beefed-up version of its firewall,

Yes, use that and lose ZA.

 

[root]

<snip>

I was under the impression the only thing new about the firewall was the
fact that it is enabled by default - it still does not monitor outgoing
traffic.

Outgoing checking isn't important with a good virus checker.

 

[Phil]

<snip>

I was under the impression the only thing new about the firewall was
the fact that it is enabled by default - it still does not monitor
outgoing traffic.

No it's a bit easier to use and a bit easier to customize it(easier to open
ports that may need to be open, etc). It is better than it was, but not a
replacement for a third party firewall.

 

[Phil]

Outgoing checking isn't important with a good virus checker.

What about "phoning home" spyware/malware/adware/programs? Your av program
will not catch those. Outgoing monitoring is a necessity now that the net is
full of spyware and such.

 

[Tony Talmage]

I don't think this is sound advice - any third-party software firewall will
protect more than the built-in firewall, so uninstalling ZoneAlarm isn't
exactly a great idea. ZoneAlarm will detect and block outgoing traffic,
which will stop spyware programs from phoning home - the built-in firewall
does not do this.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I've downloaded the service pack. Now... before I go ahead and install
it, is there anything I should do to prepare? I might add... I use NS
7.2 so will that impact upon anything? Also, I use the free version of
ZA. Is it advisable to keep it? I understand that SP 2 comes with a
beefed-up version of its firewall, but I'd just as soon keep ZA.

See some sections of guidance we have put together at
Aumha forums - Installing SP2:
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

If you have a third party firewall like ZA, it is as well to use that
and turn off the windows one after the event, You should certainly
always turn off utility things like Norton when doing major work like
this