SP2 and TCPIP.SYS, plus Security Questions

[Pat]

First, XP with SP1 has been the best OS I have ever used on a personal
computer.

Second, I haven't yet updated to SP2 but I'm curious about the security
features and their pros and cons. I fear it may smother XP with too much "in
your face" controls. Or, do the new features sit seamlessly in the
background? Also, does it slow down the system with all the new features and
security plumbing going on under the hood? In addition, do you need to
access Microsoft's web site, on a regular basis over the Internet, to
maintain security features?

Lastly, I have read about the limit of 10 IP connections. What is the
explanation for this problem and what is its impact on a user?

 

[DES]

Firstly SP2 does not slow things down, some people say that it speeds up booting but that may well be due to them tidying their systems before installing SP2.

Secondly the security measures are excellent and very flexible. You may allow certain sites more or less privileges depending on your trust in those sites.
The firewall works fine in conjunction with Sygate in spite of recommendations never to have two firewalls operating together.

OK now the minus side. If you send or receive special effects with your stationery, there are one or two (actually a bit more than that) changes you will need to make to enable them to work properly. WMP 9 is installed with SP2 but again if you have been avoiding WMP 9 because of it's affects on stationery, there is a simple fix.

You may want to do a Defrag after installing SP2 as in my particular case (and I don't know whether this is general) there were a lot of fragmented files after the installation.

Lastly, surely you go to Windows Update on a regular basis to ensure your machine is kept secure with all the current patches don't you?