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Windows XP SP2?

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Candyman

Candyman

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OK, I have Windows XP Home on my home pc. But I haven't installed SP2 to it. Mainly because I was on dialup until yesterday. Now I'm on cable and it won't take 5 hours to load. But my question is...is it worth it? I have seen some articles on the web that are claiming updating to SP2 is causing their computers to hang and crash. Has anyone had any experience with it? Will I gain any real performance? As far as security, I was thinking of going with McAfee Internet Security Suite which has antivirus, firewall, spam blocking and spyware removal. Opinions?
 
Yes I'd recommend installing SP2, but before installing SP2 I HIGHLY recommend installing Ad-aware SE (www.lavasoftusa.com), Spy-Bot Search and Destroy (www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html), and Spysweeper (www.webroot.com) - trial version and update your anti-virus software then scan your computer for viruses... After your system is comletely clean THEN install SP2.


-Michael
 
I was leary of sp2 also, the main change I see is they have given xp a far greater firewall. Although I've run firewall software all along.

One thing to be sure of is not to disturb the machine while its upgrading, this happened with my laptop at work in the middle of a presentation, interrupting the upgrade caused the whole OS to crash ;)
 
XP Pro here, the install of SP2 was fine. The **problem** was Norton.

I've worked with Norton since about 1990 or so including Macintosh and have had nothing but trouble with it. It worms its way down into your system replacing vital DLL's, including internet DLL's, (on a win system of course) with Norton-specific DLL's. Uninstalls are a nightmare.

After SP2, I had corrupted Norton-specific registry entries . . the manual install on their site wouldn't work right . . . yet right there on their website it says "There are no known issues with Norton products and the install of SP2 . . . " BS . . . . internet was at a crawl . . couldn't even download a text file because it kept kicking off "Your security settings won't allow this type of file to be downloaded."

I have a friend (http://www.pchell.com) that built me a slipstream XP CD that combines an install of XP with SP2, using my VALID number. I reformatted the HD, reinstalled without Norton, and all is well again.

There are those that will say "bah, I never had problem with Norton, it's great" and it is - as long as you don't hit a snag. When you do - I pity you. :D

You don't have to pay highly for anti-virus software and daily updates. FREE for personal use, works on all platforms EXCEPT win2k, is Grisoft's AVG. My sys admins have been using this for years and it works great, and also has daily scheduled task updates and a virus def update.
 
I've never had a problem with Norton and SP2. But I do think Norton really sucks. It found viruses on my computer and did nothing. Also, the amount of spyware it looks for it pretty pathetic. I've ran other spyware software and found a bunch, even after Norton scanned the HD.

I'm not using Panda Anti-Virus
 
I did some poking and I think I'm all set. First, I'm going to uninstall the version of McAfee antivirus that came with my Dell. My subscription ran out and I another option. Then I'm going to run a trial version of TuneUP Utilities 2004 to get my registry back in shape. I tend to like to do that when I have installed and uninstalled software. Because I'm a Roadrunner subscriber, I can get eTrust's EZ Armor antivirus and firewall for free. And the antivirus comes with free daily updates as long as I'm a subscriber. I have Spybot, Adaware SE and HiJack This! at my disposal to make sure I'm spyware free. Then once I get SP2 loaded, I'll just make sure it's recognizing my antivirus and firewall. I think that should sew up my machine pretty good....
 
I didn't have any problems with Norton and SP2 either. Zone Alarm does want to dominate the firewall side of things though.
 
No problems here with Norton Professional. SP2 was added to the home version of XP on my laptop with no issues. It did help shorten the start up times considerably. I did install the complete SP2 update, 270mb, not the 70mb update that Microsoft is suggesting for home users just in case my computer needed the software someday per our IT contractors suggestion.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...be-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&displaylang=en
 
Good luck with your service pack install. It's something you should do. I have yet to experience the joys on XP. The last big batch of PCs we got from dell use win2k. I also run that at home. I've installed a lot of service packs and haven't really had much trouble in general, but it's always a good idea to be cautious.
 
I've had no problems with SP2, other than having to turn off the firewall. Not only me, someone else on this site posted about a problem and I suggested turning it off. His problem and mine went away.
I already have a firewall in the modem, and a double wall seemed to be the problem. I don't recall the site, but I ran a security check a while back, and I came up as "stealth." In other words, a hacker couldn't find my computer.
I also run Norton System Works, and wouldn't be without it.
About a month ago I took WoodiE's advise and installed the SpyBot and AdAware programs.
Thanks again WoodiE. Something else I wouldn't ever be without.
 
So far I seem to be surviving well. The only think I haven't checked is if Windows firewall is running because I have another firewall running from Roadrunner. But I certainly haven't crashed. Geez, I feel like it's that Y2K thing all over again. Patiently waiting for my system to implode at the stroke of midnight...
 
Right click on My Network Places and choose Properties. If the Firewall is enabled (which it is by default) the status of the Local Area Connection will say Enabled, Firewalled. To turn this off right click on Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Go to the Advanced tab and remove the check from the Internet Connection Firewall.
 
I'm on my 98 computer right now, not on the XP, but if I recall correctly, there's a new icon in control panel for the SP2 firewall, and you can turn it off there if you have problems on certain sites.
 
I will definately not use Norton anymore, even professional version that is what I had year ago. I was surprised Norton will missed several worms that was out in the net while ago. All my computers (2 desktops and a laptop) was infected.

I am happy that I dumped Norton. I am currently using NOD32. You will be suprised to see how often they update. Below is the quote I found from their website.

"NOD32 has been nominated for the "Best Anti-Virus" category to this year's SC Magazine Global Awards. Winners will be announced at the RSA Conference on February 16, 2005 in San Francisco, CA. Voting for the "Best Anti-Virus" category begins on November 7th"

I was thinking it might just marketing stuff. Anyway, I gave it a try by using their trial version for 30 days. WTF!! From there, I realized Norton is POS disregard they are laggin your PC and eating up your memory. The worst is how could it missed worms that are floating around on the net?

I am so happy with NOD32 with their freq. updates and less memory usage. Here is their website if anyone of you would be interested in.

www.nod32.com

I mean you got nothing to loss by trying their trial version.

For firewall. I am currently using Sygate personal version (FREE). Pro version also available for a fees of course.

Oh also, did I mentioned I never use Microsoft firewall? It is very hard to setup since I am running 2 wireless network. Or maybe it is just me :smoke:
 
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I moved to Norton Internet Security Pro along with the Pro version of Norton on my laptop. XP's firewall is turned off. Like I mentioned before, no problems at all. In addition there is no single program available that will find or block all of the trojans.
 

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