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Changes to functionality in Windows XP SP 2

Unknown
edited March 2004 in Science & Tech
Microsoft has published a document looking at the changes the next service pack for Windows XP will implement. If you're interested in reading up on what exactly Service Pack 2 for Windows XP will have to offer, you can download the document at the link below.

[blockquote]In Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft is introducing a set of security technologies that will help to improve the ability of Windows XP-based computers to withstand malicious attacks from viruses and worms. The technologies include network protection, memory protection, safer e-mail handling, more secure browsing, and improved computer maintenance.

Together, these security technologies will help to make it more difficult to attack Windows XP, even if the latest updates are not applied. These security technologies together are particularly useful in mitigation against worms and viruses.
This document specifically focuses on the changes between earlier versions of Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 2 and reflects Microsoft’s early thinking about Service Pack 2 and its implications for developers. Examples and details are provided for several of the technologies that are experiencing the biggest changes. Future versions of this document will cover all new and changed technologies.[/blockquote]
[link=http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/7/9/879a7b46-5ddb-4a82-b64d-64e791b3c9ae/WinXPSP2_Documentation.doc]Download 'Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2' document[/link]

Comments

  • TexTex Dallas/Ft. Worth
    edited March 2004
    Good god. The network install of sp2 I just downloaded was 273mb. thats twice the size of earlier sp2 versions. This takes piggy software to new heights for sure. Has anyone ever seen any service pack for any MS OS to exceed 150mb before?

    Tex
  • ShortyShorty Manchester, UK Icrontian
    edited March 2004
    Never.

    I installed it last night and the first thing that annoyed me was the firewall & anti-virus alerts in the system tray. Like what the?!

    Ok, Im sure they are necessary.. but it can't even detect the fact that I run a firewall & antivirus :wtf:

    Im just wondering what else this is supposed to have patched/fixed.. as I haven't noticed a single change bar the reputed "security" fixes.
  • mmonninmmonnin Centreville, VA
    edited March 2004
    I would think each SP would get bigger and bigger since it has every SP before it with it as well as all the other Security updates. At least I think they should.
  • KwitkoKwitko Sheriff of Banning (Retired) By the thing near the stuff Icrontian
    edited March 2004
    NT 4.0 SP6a- which includes the fixes for the 5 prior service packs- is only 36MB for the network install.

    For most of us here, downloading and installing the SP is a no-brainer, but I don't see John Q. Public and his 56Kbps modem connection going through the trouble.
  • TexTex Dallas/Ft. Worth
    edited March 2004
    Mr. Kwitko wrote:
    NT 4.0 SP6a- which includes the fixes for the 5 prior service packs- is only 36MB for the network install.

    For most of us here, downloading and installing the SP is a no-brainer, but I don't see John Q. Public and his 56Kbps modem connection going through the trouble.

    The network version of the NT service packs was bigger then 36mb. The small ones still connect to the MS update site.

    But The biggest I have ever seen for the full network installs were alwasy under 150mb anyway.

    And shorty I have been running the earlier sp2's slipstreamed into my fresh installs and its slick. I just uncheck the firewall internet connection sharing but when I was installing the older sp2 slipstreamed into a fresh install you would go hit the update site and have like 5 little updates. All the update reboot, update, reboot, crap is gone and you can now install and be all updated in one slick operation with all the secuity hot fixs, dx9, media player etc... all dealt with. I love it.

    I still think its better to slipstream it onto a fresh or repair install rather then apply it on top of all the former patchs though.

    tex
  • mmonninmmonnin Centreville, VA
    edited March 2004
    He could order the CD for a few dollars then. That or a friend of his could burn it maybe.
  • madmatmadmat
    edited March 2004
    Yeah or wait for some magazine to put the service packs on disk and include it with an issue.
    That's a huge sp, I don't think I'd really want it if it's just adding more crap I can't turn off without grubbing around in the registry.
  • TexTex Dallas/Ft. Worth
    edited March 2004
    Its every service pack, hot fix and dx9 and mp9 etc. plus some security updates you can turn off by turring off the xp firewall like you always did before all rolled into one. it allows you to doa fresh XP install with all updates in place.

    This is more important to folks that do installs IF and only IF you always keep up with all the XP patchs and updates anyway.

    And if you don't care about the updates then blow it off. You don't carre.

    tex
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