Service packs may contain updates for system reliability, program compatibility, security, system administration tools, drivers, and additional components. All of these updates are conveniently bundled for easy downloading. Service packs are cumulative. Each new service pack contains all the fixes that are included with earlier service packs and any new fixes.

In one of your replies to queries in the Tip-Off column, you had said, "Regarding the Operating System, Windows 98 is obsolete. Microsoft itself has withdrawn support for Windows 98.

You can install either Windows 2000 or Windows XP. If you are installing Windows 2000, please make sure service pack 4 is installed and for Windows XP service pack 2 is essential.

It is advisable to use the latest operating system Windows XP with service packs and required Windows updates."

My submission is that SP2 is not required for Win XP.

In fact, the firewall can be dangerous for non-professional users. I use Norton 2006 and no worms have ever been found in my computer. I also install the Express updates for Win XP daily. J.N. Iyer

In general, service packs are the means by which product updates are distributed. Service packs may contain updates for system reliability, program compatibility, security, system administration tools, drivers, and additional components.

All of these updates are conveniently bundled for easy downloading.

Service packs are cumulative. Each new service pack contains all the fixes that are included with earlier service packs and any new fixes.

You can use Automatic Updates or Windows Update to obtain Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

If you run certain Norton Antivirus (Symantec) removal tools, Windows XP SP2 requirement is mandatory. Norton Antivirus cures the virus but does not prevent it from entering the operating system.

Viruses come through the security holes in the operating system and applications.

These security holes are plugged as and when found by Microsoft.

Once in a fortnight these security updates are released. Even after the installation of XP SP2, the firewall can be enabled or it can also be disabled but as per the best practices it is advised to enable it.

To check the service pack information of your system, please click Start - Run - type "winver".

It is advisable to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) for the following features.

By enabling Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker, you may reduce unwanted ads and content that pops up when you are browsing the Web.

Internet Explorer download monitoring warns you about potentially harmful downloads and gives you the option to block files that could be malicious.

Internet Explorer Information Bar provides better information about events that are happening as you browse the Web, so it is easier to know what is going on and address potential security issues.

Internet Explorer Add-on Manager Enhances security and reduces the potential for crashes by allowing you to easily manage Internet Explorer add-ons (programs that have been added to the Web browser).

Outlook Express privacy update helps reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.

Attachment Manager monitors and disables potentially unsafe attachments, which could contain viruses that might spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.

Windows Security Center allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place. (Firewall, Automatic updates, and Virus Protection)

Windows Firewall update is automatically turned on by default.

This improved firewall helps protect Windows XP from viruses, worms, and other security threats that can spread over the Internet.

The Windows Firewall simple compatibility set-up lets you set up Windows Firewall to co-exist with your favourite Internet applications and home network.

Windows Firewall startup and shutdown support Extends Windows Firewall protection to Windows startup and shutdown time, ensuring enhanced protection from the moment you turn your PC on to the moment you turn it off.

Automatic Update enhancements help you automatically stay up-to-date with the latest updates for Windows XP.

It also includes new technology to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.

Improved wireless support dramatically improves and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks.

Bluetooth technologies enable you to easily connect to the latest Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices such as keyboards, cell-phones, and personal digital assistants. (PDAs).

Windows Media Player 9 Series makes it easy to enjoy music, video, and broadband content with enhanced security.

DirectX update helps you enjoy advanced graphics and gaming with the latest DirectX technology from Microsoft.

For more information, please refer http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/features.mspx

Solution by R. Ramachandran

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu Business Line