Features

Securing your computer - Windows XP SP2

By LEROY MCLEAN, Contributor

I WANTED TO make sure that most persons were convinced and had a good reason to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) without any reservation. So, here are the 10 main reasons for installing this major upgrade to your operating system.

Help protect your PC from harmful attachments. By alerting you to potentially unsafe attachments, 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.

You can download SP2 and all future critical updates automatically by turning on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can also download SP2 from Windows Update. If you cannot use Automatic Updates or download SP2 via Windows Update, order a CD.