SP2 for non-IT people

[jeff4379]

If you are not an IT professional testing SP2, don't download it and install
it. Wait until you are offered it through automatic updates or Windows
updates. The current version: Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers is not meant for
home use.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

If you are not an IT professional testing SP2, don't download
it and
install it. Wait until you are offered it through automatic
updates
or Windows updates.

No, that's not a reason to wait.

The current version: Windows XP Service Pack 2
Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and
Developers is
not meant for home use.

It's meant for any kind of use, home or otherwise. It's an image
of the complete installation CD. For that reason, it's
big--266MB. If you get it from Windows Update, it will be
smaller--80-100MB or so--because it will be customized for *your*
computer.

Other than its being a larger download, there is no disadvantage
to the Network Installation download, for home users or any other
kind of users. And the Network Installation package has the
advantage for many people (even home users) that a single
download will let them use it on several computers.

 

[D M]

It is if you have a number of machines on a network, then there are the
friends and neighbours who rely on you to consider as well.

 

[Gordon]

If you are not an IT professional testing SP2, don't download it and
install
it. Wait until you are offered it through automatic updates or Windows
updates. The current version: Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers is not meant for
home use.

What a load of rubbish.

 

[jeff4379]

So the fact that microsoft explicitly says "IF YOU ARE A HOME USER, DO NOT
DOWNLOAD THIS VERSION" means nothing to you? I see...obviously you know
more than microsoft.

From MS website:

This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers
downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network. If you're
updating just one computer, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect

(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30
-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en)

 

[jeff4379]

Rubish? Please furnish some proof to that claim.

 

[jeff4379]

I wouldn't give this download to a friend or family member. Personally, as
an IT Professional, I am waiting serveral months to install this update
(after extensively testing it on a non-production machine)

Jeff

 

[jeff4379]

Here is exactly why I would not give a blanket statement saying "everyone
shoudl install SP2 right away"

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2

 

[Phil]

That's just because they don't want that server to get slammed by millions
of users trying to download it. They want it available for business users.
The windows update server can handle alot more traffic and downloads, so
that's why they want home users to wait. It's just a bandwidth issue, not an
issue with the network version and home users.

 

[jeff4379]

I'm sure there are many more than just one server uploading that file, and
that bandwidth is not an issue on Microsoft's side...But the fact is
Microsoft says explicitly not to download this IT PROFESSIONAL AND
DEVELOPERS version if you are updating you home pc.

 

[Phil]

I'm using at least 10 of those listed programs with not one problem, error,
crash, or hic-up with SP2. All works fine for me. Says on the site that it
may cause problems. Didn't for me. I say, install it, if you have probs,
uninstall it until the software companies update their software.

 

[Phil]

Like I just said, they only say that because they want home users to use
windows update or automatic updates. They don't want 10 million home users
downloading the 250+mb version from the network install site. Bandwidth is
an issue as it costs ms money to offer these updates via the net. Everyone
pays for bandwidth, even ms.
There is absolutely NO difference at all between the two versions except one
is the full version and one is the express version. MS would rather have you
download the smaller express version because most won't need everything the
full version updates as they may have some sp2 updates installed already.
Yes, ms says for home users not to download that version, I don't dispute
that. I'm just telling you why they say that. Home users with broadband
connections can do the network version with no probs. I've already installed
the network version on 10+ home versions without one problem at all.

 

[luminos]

Yes, those programs 'behave differently.' They do not stop working, at
least the ones I have. The different behavior is because of the Security
Center now built in. Outlook etc. run perfectly well...but the behavior is
slightly changed.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Regardless of what the website says, that is perfectly suitable for
home users.
Once installed there is no difference from the Express Installation.
If you think there is a difference once installed, please cite the
source for this information.
Microsoft prefers home users use the Express download because it is
smaller.
Thus there will be less a burden on the servers and those that are
ready for SP-2 can get it sooner.

If someone has multiple computers to update, even a home user, this
download can easily be best for them.

Judging from another post of yours in this thread it now seems you
have a different reason based on the link you posted.
Many have no issues at all with any of those applications.
That is why it says "Programs that may..."
No one is suggesting anyone give a "blanket statement saying "everyone
should install SP2 right away" "
where have you seen such a statement?

 

[jeff4379]

Whether or not the download works or not is not the issue either. Unless I
see something on the MS site that says it is ok for a common user to
download this package, I will not suggest it.

What you suggest about bandwidth makes sense, but that is not an official
microsoft answer.

Can you difinitively say that there is no difference between the current IT
and Developer release and the AU/WU release?

 

[Monty]

I suggest that you read jupiter jones's reply. Because you are talking crap.

 

[luminos]

Whether or not the download works or not is not the issue either. Unless
I
see something on the MS site that says it is ok for a common user to
download this package, I will not suggest it.

What you suggest about bandwidth makes sense, but that is not an official
microsoft answer.

LOL. Official? You are really tied to Microsoft's propaganda.

 

[Phil]

I can't blindly follow anything without investingting it or at least
analizing it. If ms says something, I ask, why. Since there is no real
reason why ms would say this as far as functionality of sp2 goes, I can only
logically assume it's a traffic thing.
MS reccomends things to "protect" your computer from yourself. Many ms
reccomendations are to "scare" the user into doing it the way they want you
to. Since they don't want a zillion home users overloading the network
install server they "scare" you into not doing it. It doesn't mean there
isn't another way, a better way, or another option. MS may make the os, but
many other sites and techs can tweak windows, or do things to it, or install
things on it better than ms can or is willing to. Yes, it's true most users
can and should wait until windows update has it, but they don't have to if
they don't want to wait. If they have dialup they essentially have no choice
but to wait cause the full download is just too big for dialup.
And yes it true this is not an official ms answer, but its the most logical
answer. Ever hear of achems razor? All things being equal the simplist
answer must be correct. This is the only answer that seems to make sense.
Yes, I can say without any doubt that the IT and developer release is 100%
the same as the sp2 windows update will install. The download is what is
different, not the install of sp2.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Yes, there is no difference.
AFAIK, there is nothing official on Microsoft site that says so.
If you want confirmation of what many already know contact Microsoft
Product Support Services:
http://support.microsoft.com/

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/

Whether or not the download works or not is not the issue either.
Unless I
see something on the MS site that says it is ok for a common user to
download this package, I will not suggest it.

What you suggest about bandwidth makes sense, but that is not an
official
microsoft answer.

Can you difinitively say that there is no difference between the
current IT
and Developer release and the AU/WU release?

 

[Herb Fritatta]

Whether or not the download works or not is not the issue either. Unless I
see something on the MS site that says it is ok for a common user to
download this package, I will not suggest it.

What you suggest about bandwidth makes sense, but that is not an official
microsoft answer.

Can you difinitively say that there is no difference between the current IT
and Developer release and the AU/WU release?

I can, you top-posting loser. And this has already been explained to
you. Can you, as an IT professional, spell ""definitively"?