Windows XP is without a doubt one ofMicrosoft’s most iconic operating systems. Released globally inOctober 2001, it quickly became a success, selling over 400 millioncopies by January 2006. Its popularity stood the test of theintroduction of Windows Vista in early 2007, as it was consideredmore user friendly and had a higher level of developmentcompatibility than its successor.
The release of Service Pack 2 full version (SP2) in August 2004provided a number of critical security patches and updates – aswell as new functionality, setting itself apart from 2002’s ServicePack 1 (SP1) update. All basic updates included in SP1 were rolledinto SP2’s release, giving comprehensive protection against a rangeof viruses and other security threats.
A new Security Center dashboard, was one of the flagshipchanges. The facility launched itself automatically to warn ofweaknesses in the system (i.e. firewall, anti virus or automaticupdating being restricted or turned off). This gave more controlfor the user and allowed greater management of these criticalfeatures. In a related move, Windows Firewall was automaticallyturned on as its default setting.
Internet Explorer was given added security, for the first timeintroducing a function that stopped pop-ups and drive-by downloads.In addition to the security-focused alterations, SP2 introduced anumber of multimedia updates – including the Windows Media Player9.
All the above is pretty good stuff – but there were majorcompatibility issues with existing software on SP2’s release. Also,the Internet Explorer updates conflicted with websites usingcertain scripts (such as Active X controls). There were alsoquestions as to why features such as Trojan scanning and anti-viruswere not included.
Pro’s: better security interface through new Security Center;improved Windows Firewall configuration; added Internet Explorerprotection and better multimedia software
Con’s: compatibility issues across exisiting software and InternetExplorer; no comprehensive anti-virus or Trojan threatscanning.
This Service Pack for Windows XP— Service Pack 2 (SP2) full version— is all about security, and it’s one of the most important servicepacks ever released. It provides better protection against viruses,hackers, and worms, and includes Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blockerfor Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP-2) provides an enhanced securityinfrastructure that defends against viruses, worms and hackers,along with increased manageability and control for IT professionalsand an improved experience for users.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP-2) can be applied to any version ofWindows XP Home, Professional, TabletPC or Media Center. If you aregoing to reinstall the original release of Windows XP on a PC, itis important that you apply this Service Pack before connecting tothe internet. Nasty viruses and worms lcan enter an unpatchedsystem as soon as it is connected to the internet.
Installer Size: 604 MB
Download Links : Microsoft Windows XP SP2 x86 Integrated October 2007 + Crack