XP SP2 Is now available on Microsoft website

[Nomad559]

SP2

Windows XP Service Pack 2

[swag]

1. I've got a couple of test-bed boxes waiting for it here

I sure don't want to break any of our custom apps, let alone our off-the-shelfers, in the production environment.

Anyway, I have some hope. It's getting decent reviews.

[RodneyCK2]

2. Here is a mini review of SP2...

"As we reported yesterday, Service Pack 2 for Windows XP has finally been released and is now available for people to download and install on their systems. The file, at just over 250 Megs, is a hefty download yet is packed with new updates well worth getting (Microsoft will allow people to order a CD with it on in due course).

The install took about 5-10 minutes, yet clearly this figure will vary from system to system. After installing and rebooting XP asked me to turn on automatic updates (even before reaching windows). An excellent move on Microsoft's behalf, and one that serves to highlights a growing commitment to security and user safety. On the first run, Microsoft also loads up the new Security Center (screenshot). The Security Center monitors your Antivirus, Firewall, and Auto Update situation. If it detects anything that is potentially damaging or hazardous, it will prompt you with a warning and give you advice on how to resolve the issue. Microsoft has saved a lot of hassle for users in that if you have Zone Alarm installed, they leave the Windows Firewall off to prevent conflicts (screenshot).

Less importantly for a Firefox user like me, Internet Explorer has been updated (screenshot) and the new features seem helpful. As well as a new version of IE, Outlook Express, Microsoft's free mail client bundled with Windows has been updated with better protection against email spread viruses and worms. I spent a few hours using the improved browser and it does seems somewhat nippier than before. With additions like pop-up blocking, IE becomes a slightly more attractive prospect. However, it still lacks features like tabbed browsing and standards compliancy that make some of the new features moot points. To really start winning back people, Microsoft need to get IE 7 out the door with these features (Before longhorn though?). I'd like to say i was impressed, but IE in SP2 is playing catch up, not adding features.

Click "Read more" to view the rest of the review, and our conclusions. "

[cosmicaug]

4. Before longhorn.

RodneyCK2 quoted:

To really start winning back people, Microsoft need to get IE 7 out the door with these features (Before longhorn though?).

Apparently some people are thinking that could be the case.

[RodneyCK2]

5. Not sure what your point is? Can you re-phrase the question?

[Kellanved]

3. That is the SP for network-based installations

I would not use it for normal single-user systems.

Thanks for the heads-up.

[RodneyCK2]

6. No, I believe it is the single-user installation. Why do you say that?

Here is the link to the Microsoft SP2 Tech Notes and info pages...(copy and past in your browser. This type of link will not work on the DU forum)

support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835935

[Kellanved]

8. Sorry, , you're right

The network-based one has been around for a few hours and this
--snip
This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network. If you're updating just one computer, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect.

--snap
made me believe that the two were identical. However, after looking at the file I can confirm: it is the single-user all-in-one SP file.

[RodneyCK2]

10. No problem. I was actually questioning myself and stopped the

download as a result, LOL. Glad it is clear. I will continue... thanks.

[Nomad559]

7. Single User

You can use this file for single-user systems, I Installed It on all of my systems, all of my systems are running fine with SP2.

You can use this file to slipstream SP2 Into your copy of XP.

[Xithras]

9. There's no difference

Microsoft wants home users to utilize Windows Update for the installation in order to preserve their bandwidth, because Windows Update will only download the needed portions of the patch. It's an irrelevant concern with the service pack, however, because the entire file has to be downloaded anyway.

The "Network-Based Installations" version is simply the Windows Update version bundled into a single file. This allows network administrators to place it on a single server on their own network, or to burn it onto a CD to install manually, so that network admins don't have to download the same patch 500 times from Microsofts servers as they update their company computers.

Personally, I just downloaded it here at work (it takes about 3 minutes on our connection) and burned it onto a CD. I'll take it home and install it on my PC tonight.