Safe to connect to get Windows updates??

[ehgoodrich]

I have been setting up new systems recently that come w/SP2. Since
that update level is 18 months old now, I wonder if it is safe to
connect these machines to the internet solely to go to the Windows
Update site and download/install security updates.

I ask because I know that prior to SP2, there were critical updates
that needed to be applied offline PRIOR to connecting in order to avoid
picking up nastiware JUST by connecting to the Internet.

Does anyone know of any SPECIFIC nasties that can attack a machine with
XP/SP2 and Windows Firewall when it connects for the first time??

Thanx,
e

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Make sure that the firewall is turned on before you connect.

Make sure that antivirus is running before you connect.

Windows XP survival guide, 'Windows XP: Surviving the First Day. (PDF)'"
http://isc.sans.org/presentations/xpsurvivalguide.pdf

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

No problem to connect.
It is recommended to apply patches more often (monthly).

If you prefer to apply patches manually (using the Windows Update site) make
sure you turn OFF Automatic Updates first.
Right click on my Computer -> Properties-> "Automatic Updates" tab-> Choose
OFF.

Before connecting the computer/s/ to internet ,make sure you turn ON
Windows Firewall with selected "Don't allow exceptions"
Control Panel -> Windows Firewall

Make sure your computer/s/ use antivirus software.
The best AV softwares:
Panda
Nod 32
F-prot
McAfee ...

Free antivirus softwares:
AVG
Avast
.....

Antispyware softwares:

Ad-Aware SE Personal
Microsoft Antispyware


But to get the updates ,you need only Win Firewall ON .If you don't have
antivirus ,as soon as you apply the patches ,download one .Avast is a good
way to start. http://www.avast.com

Learn how to protect your PC:
http://pandaman.hit.bg ->Protect your PC section


Panda_man