[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ WindowsXP SP2 Performance Review

[Firewiz]

We all know that WindowsXP Service Pack 2 has better security than its predecessors, it feqatures a pop-up blocker that has already been beaten, a security centre that is just annoying as well as program execution prevention - which makes it harder to run the programs you want.

Joking aside, the upgrade is definatly recommended for all users of WindowsXP, security has recently become a big issue as I guess people have finally become fed up of not only being infected by viruses, but just recieving them. With my narrowband internet connection, checking my mail is no longer a simple process, I have to download half a meg of viruses everytime I check my mail, bizzarely all coming from osnn mail accounts that don't exist. So upgrade people!!

The WindowsXP SP2 Performance review shows that for general use it is neither better nor worse than service pack one, but for gaming, perhaps due to the addition of DirectX 9.0c (somehow?) performance in certain applications, such as Splinter Cell, Unreal Tournament and (erm) 3DMark 2003 have been much improved, so that will hopefully tip the scale for you if you haven't taken the plunge already.

Review Here : www.hardcoreware.net

Sorce : hardcoreware.net



This post has been edited by Firewiz: Sep 7 2004, 06:29 PM

[Bearsland]

I slipstreamed the full network installer into my SP1 and did a full clean install and I have to say have had not one problem at all. I have also used the network installer to update a few family and friends' PC with no trouble at all.

While I am aware that some folks have had probs with the update, (esp. from Windows Update), I would certainly recommend this update to anyone.

I should add though that I have turned off the XP Firewall (pain in the arse) and I stopped the very annoying Security Centre service, (un-needed waste of resources).

My 2 pennies ....