SP2 is now available from Microsoft as a critical update to MS Windows XP. SP2 is a major security update and should be considered mandatory for all users. There are however many issues and rumors surrounding SP2 which users should know about.

Security Center:
Security center is a new applet in the XP Control Panel. It is the starting point for the new Windows Firewall, Automatic Update Control and Virus Scanner Monitoring.

Improved Firewall:
The Windows Firewall is the primary Security Upgrade in SP2. It provides much better security from hackers, Viruses and Worms than the previous Windows Firewall.

Automatic Update
Automatic Update controls how System updates are downloaded and installed.

Virus Scanner Monitor
This monitor simply checks your system for virus protection by third party programs such as Norton Anti Virus and McAffee Virus Scan and notifies you of problems. SP2 DOES NOT protect you from viruses.

The new firewall may need to be adjusted manually to allow some network enabled programs and file sharing programs to work. Microsoft offers a list of known issues concerning this which is available on the web at www.microsoft.com. This new firewall is the major source of all the rumors about SP2, with improved security comes a need to understand and configure the firewall to allow network enabled programs to operate correctly. XP Service Pack 2 is available as a free download from Microsoft Windows Update. As this is a VERY big update many users will avoid the download and not install the update. In an effort to get our clients updated we can provide the SP2 update on CDROM so you can avoid the lengthy download.

Here's the deal:

• Borrow our CD. $3 refundable deposit upon return.
• Buy the CD. $3
• Have us do it for you. $20

If you have us do it for you and your system is not at the required update level to perform the install a Routine Maintenance ($89) may be required. We will inform you of this prior to doing the upgrade (we can prove it to if you desire). Our Routine Maintenance Program will include installation of all updates available as of the day of service including SP2 as well as our normal included maintenance.