I am considering installing SP2; need advice

[Guest]

I am considering installing SP2 on my Windows XP Home computer. I have a
home network in which we use ICS. My husbands Windows 98SE computer connects
to the internet via my computer. We do not share files. I had at one time
installed a software firewall and evidently did not have the settings right,
which drove me crazy and I unistalled it because hubby could not access the
internet. I am reluctant to install SP2 because of the firewall.

Any suggestions as to how to enable the XP SP2 firewall so that he can also
access the internet or will it be allowed by default since the ICS is already
on the connection? Should his computer be on when I do this because of the
network?

Will I be asked to allow/deny ingoing and outgoing transmissions? (this
makes me nervous if it does, since I have no clue about any of that type of
thing! I have several programs, antivirus and such that need regular
updating. How will I know if those are what are asking for outgoing
permission?) I have scanned the computer for viruses and ad/malware and it
comes up clean. I do not download music or other programs (except from cd's)
but do use instant messengers occasionally. All drivers that I think need
updating have been updated.

I know this is a loaded question, but reading articles do not give me a clue
as it is all in "computer speak." I really need some help.....I've gotten
paranoid since this is my only form of communication with my family back
east. I don't need to mess this up! Thanks in advance to anyone willing to
help.

 

[Chris Priede]

I am considering installing SP2 on my Windows XP Home computer.

Very good idea.

I am reluctant to install SP2 because of the firewall.

The Windows firewall in SP2 is far better integrated than third party
firewalls and leaves out their more intrusive features. Some might see this
as a negative (less "protection"), but considering the annoying aspect of
those features caused you to not use a firewall at all, it will only be a
benefit for you.

I think you will be fine with it on, but the firewall can be very easily
turned off if you are not. Go for it!

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the response, Chris. You have aleviated some of my fears. Does
anyone have answers to some of my other questions about the firewall in in XP
SP2?

 

[Guest]

The Windows firewall offers no protection outbound, which is why a lot of
people prefer other firewalls. Therefore, you won't be asked to give anything
permission, and the firewall will simply be on or off.

 

[Guest]

.........also.........the firewall and ICS are one 'service', so your second
computer should be fine.....if not, it's easily configurable.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am considering installing SP2 on my Windows XP Home computer. I have a
home network in which we use ICS. My husbands Windows 98SE computer connects
to the internet via my computer. We do not share files. I had at one time
installed a software firewall and evidently did not have the settings right,
which drove me crazy and I unistalled it because hubby could not access the
internet. I am reluctant to install SP2 because of the firewall.

Any suggestions as to how to enable the XP SP2 firewall so that he can also
access the internet or will it be allowed by default since the ICS is already
on the connection? Should his computer be on when I do this because of the
network?

Will I be asked to allow/deny ingoing and outgoing transmissions? (this
makes me nervous if it does, since I have no clue about any of that type of
thing! I have several programs, antivirus and such that need regular
updating. How will I know if those are what are asking for outgoing
permission?) I have scanned the computer for viruses and ad/malware and it
comes up clean. I do not download music or other programs (except from cd's)
but do use instant messengers occasionally. All drivers that I think need
updating have been updated.

I know this is a loaded question, but reading articles do not give me a clue
as it is all in "computer speak." I really need some help.....I've gotten
paranoid since this is my only form of communication with my family back
east. I don't need to mess this up! Thanks in advance to anyone willing to
help.

I strongly recommend installing SP2, which has significant
improvements in security, including the new Windows Firewall. You
don't need any other software firewall to protect your computers from
undesired incoming traffic from the Internet. ICS works fine with
Windows Firewall.

Since the Windows Firewall only examines incoming traffic, you won't
be asked to allow/deny outgoing transmissions or programs.

Before installing SP2:

1. Disconnect the computer from the Internet. If you have a broadband
Internet connection, unplug the cable from your computer.

2. Disable your antivirus program.

3. Disable ICS.

After installing SP2:

1. Make sure that the Windows Firewall is enabled.

2. Make sure that your antivirus program is enabled.

3. Connect to the Internet.

4. Run Windows Update and install all of the available critical
updates. Run it repeatedly until there are no more critical updates.

5. Enable ICS.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

Thank you for the reply, Steve. I am ready now to install SP2. You made it
easier for me to make the decision. Thanks for your help.