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

Thanks, Firewiz (good to see ya, old boy). I ordered the free CD on August 27th (or thereabouts) and received it Saturday, September 4th. after extensive research, it sees that in addition to the security exploits solved in this Service Pack that Windows Update won't work 'til we do it.

Most of the problems users have with the installation seem to come on computers which have spyware, malware adware and the like so a thorough scanning is a must. It would seem that all users who backup data, format, re-install WinXP then SP2 (which includes SP1 and all other updates up to its release) have no problems whatsoever. That's what I plan to do. It's a good excuse for a fresh start (my drive image is six months old anyway) and the installation of SP2 has happen.

Now all I need is a little free time for the process plus installation of necessary proggies, drivers, troubleshooting and re-imaging. Yeah, that'll kill and entire day.

~SC

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 ....

Dido, that security center is very annoying. Most of experienced users already have 1 if not 2 firewalls. I personally would disable that pop up security alert!

Just an FYI. I have read on other boards that there have been many instances of data corruption after installing SP2. The exact cause was unknow and not reproducable, but has happened enough to warrent concern. The end all opinion was that if you are going to install SP2, do it through a clean install with a slipstreamed copy. No one reported any problems when done that way.