Windows XP Service Pack 2

[Gary M]

I have Windows XP Home Edition (2002). My concerns are
with the security features of Service Pack 2. If I install
Service Pack 2, is it necessary or advisable to have
additional antivirus, firewall, and other security
programs/software (such as Norton Internet Secuirity, AVG,
or McAfee) or will those features of the Service Pack be
generally adequate and appropriate? Also, is it correct
that by using Window Updates there is no charge for
installing and implementing the Service Pack?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Gary;
There is no antivirus with Windows XP or the Service pack so that is
still needed.
The Windows firewall is adequate for stopping incoming but does
nothing for outgoing.
For complete protection another firewall is needed, disable the
Windows firewall after the other is installed.

Service Pack 2 and other Windows Updates are free from Microsoft
whether you use Windows Update or not.

 

[Guest]

There is no need to change any other programs on your computer to install
SP2. They will remain. You may need to change the settings in the new Windows
Firewall, if you have another software firewall.
The Service Pack is free.
If you would like to have a CD, it is also available at no charge, no
shipping fees
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

 

[Guest]

There is no charge for sp2, however i had problems running some programs when
i installed it, then when i uninstalled it everything was fine. As for
antivirus I wouldnt trust just the microsoft antivirus, Ive always used
Mcafee and found it very good

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"I wouldnt trust just the microsoft antivirus"
That is a very good idea since it does not exist.

 

[Ken Blake]

message

There is no charge for sp2, however i had problems running some
programs when
i installed it, then when i uninstalled it everything was fine.
As for
antivirus I wouldnt trust just the microsoft antivirus,

Good advice! It's never wise to trust something that doesn't
exist.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have Windows XP Home Edition (2002). My concerns are
with the security features of Service Pack 2. If I install
Service Pack 2, is it necessary or advisable to have
additional antivirus, firewall, and other security
programs/software (such as Norton Internet Secuirity, AVG,
or McAfee) or will those features of the Service Pack be
generally adequate and appropriate?

You most certainly need a good AV, and preferably an Anti-Adware to run.
SP2 does not include either. What it is doing is making a very large
number of system modules less open to attacks. But that does not mean
that attacks will not come by other routes, particularly infected
emails. You can cover this all with quality free or low cost packages.
AVG is good; I would also point you at the current year's free trial on
offer for EzArmor (eTrust AV plus the Zone Alarm firewall engine) at
www.my-etrust.com/microsoft