XP SP2 Good or Bad?

[gsellis]

Not installing SP2 is just a bad idea. It fixes a lot of security risks that don't have exploits too.

You can turn off all of the "bitchin' Betty" stuff and the firewall if you don't want it (the firewall is rather limited, but it is absolutely better than nothing.)

 

[dderolph]

Originally posted by: gsellis
Not installing SP2 is just a bad idea. It fixes a lot of security risks that don't have exploits too.

You can turn off all of the "bitchin' Betty" stuff and the firewall if you don't want it (the firewall is rather limited, but it is absolutely better than nothing.)

I hope you're not suggesting he turn off Windows firewall without installing another firewall.

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: dderolph

Originally posted by: gsellis
Not installing SP2 is just a bad idea. It fixes a lot of security risks that don't have exploits too.

You can turn off all of the "bitchin' Betty" stuff and the firewall if you don't want it (the firewall is rather limited, but it is absolutely better than nothing.)

I hope you're not suggesting he turn off Windows firewall without installing another firewall.

Which would be why I said "it is absolutely better than nothing." But, there are better products that monitor and block in both directions. A hardware firewall is great, but it can be compromised. If there is wireless on the network, every client should have a local firewall. Security is not found in a single solution, but in layers.

The best one is not available except to Cisco enterprise clients, Cisco Security Agent. But that takes a serious commitment to run and is not designed for stand-alone usage.

 

[Smilin]

Topic Title: XP SP2 Good or Bad?
Topic Summary: Should be easy noob question

You're right, it is.

I'm betting you're a clever dude and already know the answer.

 

[Robor]

The biggest problem SP2 caused when we deployed it at my old job is it installs a software firewall on the system and popup blocker, and ActiveX warning in IE. The firewall is easy to disable and once you get used to the ActiveX warning and popup blocker it's fine. You're much better off with SP2 installed than without.