More OEM OS

[HMSDOC]

Ok, after the help you folks gave me I am comfortable with the idea of Windows
XP Pro purchased as an OEM edition. What is the latest version that would have
the most integration in terms of service packs etc..I found one that says with
SP1a, but don't know if this is the latest. I do assume that this means that
either the SP is already integrated or at least comes on a disc that you can
add right in, is this correct? If it is on a separate disc, how is it added
....by just putting it into the CD ROM after the OS installs and then it is self
explanatory, or is there any OEM issues with this.

Thanks.

Howard

 

[Muttley]

SP1a is latest.
Service pack is already integrated into the installation.
After setup, you have a Windows XP w/Service Pack 1a machine.

John S.

 

[HMSDOC]

Thanks very much John.

Howard

 

[Andrew Z Carpenter]

Thanks very much John.

Howard

You have to remember though, that even if you have
SP1a, there are a number of CRITICAL updates you need
to install before you even *think* of connecting that
computer to the internet, notably the ones patching
the vulnerabilities in DCOM/RPC that allowed the
Blaster worm to propegate, and the vulnerability in
Internet Explorer that allows the QHosts trojan to
install.

You need at least the following two updates:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-039.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-040.asp

Also, ensure the Internet Connection Firewall is
enabled before connecting to the internet. This will
give you an additional level of protection while you
download all the available updates and install a more
thorough firewall of your choice (kerio, zonealarm, etc)

By 'available updates', I mean everything from the
Windows Update website at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Don't forget the antivirus. Again, good idea to have
it installed and fully updated before connecting to the
internet. If you don't have antivirus, get some for
free at http://www.grisoft.com

So, the important 'three steps to computer security' are:

1. Use an internet firewall
2. Get computer updates
3. Use Up-to-Date Antivirus Software

For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

Good luck,

 

[Stacey]

You have to remember though, that even if you have
SP1a, there are a number of CRITICAL updates you need
to install before you even *think* of connecting that
computer to the internet, notably the ones patching
the vulnerabilities in DCOM/RPC that allowed the
Blaster worm to propegate, and the vulnerability in
Internet Explorer that allows the QHosts trojan to
install.

You need at least the following two updates:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-039.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms03-040.asp

Also, ensure the Internet Connection Firewall is
enabled before connecting to the internet. This will
give you an additional level of protection while you
download all the available updates and install a more
thorough firewall of your choice (kerio, zonealarm, etc)

By 'available updates', I mean everything from the
Windows Update website at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Don't forget the antivirus. Again, good idea to have
it installed and fully updated before connecting to the
internet. If you don't have antivirus, get some for
free at http://www.grisoft.com

So, the important 'three steps to computer security' are:

1. Use an internet firewall
2. Get computer updates
3. Use Up-to-Date Antivirus Software

For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

Or read some at www.grc.com and test your system for open ports there.
Stealth is what you want to see, not sure if the MS firewall is stealth or
just blocks the MAIN ports so they still see the machine and then start
looking for all the open ports MS leaves open as default?