Windows XP SP2 will be disruptive

[SM-Bot]

Worried that the full release of its Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) will break and disrupt existing applications, Microsoft has created an online training course for developers to explain the intricacies of the security-centric OS update.

The launch of a training course is an unusual move for the software giant, which has changed many Windows XP defaults to tighten security and to simplify the software update process. "[SP2] is more than a normal roll-up of bug fixes. It is also being used to deliver a significant upgrade to enhance Windows XP security," the company said on its Microsoft Software Developer Network (MSDN) portal.
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[Straight_Man]

Online classes are new, hands-on was done in area seminars and in canned content on CD via MSDN subscriptions mostly before this, but devs did get briefings on what was what. Expensive for devs to subscribe, but lots of content. When it came to a DVD a quarter, prices went up yet again. In this case, looks like XP will be more heavily vetting apps that break rules-- and doing so more automagically.

BUT, Microsoft has gotten more responsive for some things-- the security guidance site they put up is one thing that is changed, and releasing virus killers quickly is another good thing that was rarely done in the past. The class gives them a faster react time frame than having to allow devs to absorb MSDN quarterlies. Expect more of this kind of stuff....

John D.