Windows SP2

[jahajazz]

I just realized that I don't have SP2 only SP1 for Windows should I upgrade it?

[jcnoernberg]

I would, and have. Although, I do have a system in my garage that is still running SP1 with no problems. Below was pulled from microsoft.com for ya...

Top 10 reasons to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Help protect your PC from harmful attachments.

By alerting you to potentially unsafe attachments, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) helps guard your computer from viruses that can spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.

Improve your privacy when you’re on the Web.

SP2 helps protect your private information by applying the security settings that guard your PC to the files and content downloaded using Internet Explorer.

Avoid potentially unsafe downloads.

Internet Explorer download monitoring and the Internet Explorer Information Bar warn you about potentially harmful downloads and give you the option to block files that could be malicious.

Reduce annoying pop-ups.

Internet Explorer Pop-Up Blocker makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by helping you reduce the unwanted ads and content that pop up when you’re browsing the Web.

Get firewall protection from startup to shutdown.

The powerful, built-in Windows Firewall is now turned on by default. This helps protect Windows XP against viruses and worms that can spread over the Internet.

Take control of your security settings.

The new Windows Security Center allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.

Get the latest updates easily.

Enhancements to Windows XP’s Automatic Updates feature make it even easier to access Windows updates. Plus, new technology has been added to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.

Help protect your e-mail address.

Improvements to Outlook Express help reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.

Take action against crashes caused by browser add-ons.

The new Add-On Manager in Internet Explorer lets you easily view and control add-ons to reduce the potential for crashes and enjoy a more trouble-free browsing experience.

Go wireless without the hassle.

SP2 improves wireless support and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks in your home or on the road.

[jahajazz]

Is the firewall easy to configure? I do alot of online gaming and firewalls cause alot of problems.

[123456]

Yes. The firewall has an option to turn it off. Easy to do, it's in Control Panel.

[Budfred]

I definitely would update to SP2... It is probably the most important security update they have ever released... I would also NOT rely on the Windows Firewall.... Sunbelt offers a free version of Kerio and it is a much better choice... I suggest learning how to play your games with it on though, it is dangerous to be on the internet without a firewall...

Note that if your system is currently infected, it is likely that SP2 will give you some trouble on install...

[jahajazz]

I have adware and spybot and norton any other good infections checkers to use?

[Budfred]

Ewido is a good general scanner... It used to focus on trojans, but has expanded its focus...

MS AntiSpyware is still free and pretty good... Just don't run the resident protection along with the resident protection from one of the other spyware scanners...

There are lots of others and some basic programs that it is good to run that are more protections than fixes... SpywareBlaster is an excellent little program that doesn't use resources and provides good protection... SpywareGuard is also good and IE-Spyads is important if you use IE...