Windows XP Service Pack 2

**Where appropriate, please contact local technical support prior to installing Windows XP Service Pack 2.**

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) offers the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft. SP2 provides an enhanced security infrastructure that defends against viruses, worms, and hackers, along with increased manageability for IT professionals and an improved experience for Windows XP users.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2:

• Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) version 8.1 is compatible with SP2. However, the Windows Security Center feature of SP2 does not report the proper status of antivirus definitions for SAV 8.1 currently distributed by the University. For details, visit Symantec's SP2 Information Center. To download Symantec AntiVirus at no additional cost, visit NUIT's Get Control site. NUIT will release an upgraded version of SAV that does report the proper status soon.
  
  
• SP2 requires at least 1.8 gigabytes (GB) of free space on your hard drive. To check your free disk space, click Start, click My Computer, and right-click Local Disk (C:) or the name of the drive you're installing SP2 on, then click Properties. For more information on the critical things you need to know before installing SP2, visit What to Know Before you Download and Install Windows SP2.
  
  
• If your computer is managed by a network administrator, the security settings may already be configured. In this case, the SP2 Windows Security Center feature may not display your security status (e.g., Windows Firewall) or send alerts. Please check with your local technical support person where appropriate.
  
  
• Before installing SP2, be sure the applications you use are not adversely affected by the SP2 installation. For known applications that may experience a loss of functionality with SP2, visit Microsoft's list of affected programs. In addition, get the latest updates and information from your computer's manufacturer.

Features/Options

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides significantly stronger security features and enhancements that include:

• Windows Security Center: The Windows Security Center acts as a centralized management resource for your computer security settings. At a glance, you can monitor the current level of PC protection, including firewall status, automatic update settings, and virus protection. For more information on how to manage the Windows Security Center, visit Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place.
  
  
• Windows Firewall: The new SP2 Windows Firewall is turned on by default and will protect your PC against viruses, worms, and other security attacks. For your computing experience to run smoothly, you will need to adjust settings for some programs that prefer an open connection to the Internet. For example, if you run an application such as an instant messaging program that needs to receive information from the Internet or a network, the new SP2 Windows Firewall will ask if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection. For more information on the SP2 Windows Firewall, visit Understanding Windows Firewall.
  
  
  • Windows XP users who have firewall protection may continue to use their firewall exclusively or in addition to the SP2 Windows Firewall. The following vendors offer firewall products compatible with Windows XP: BlackICE PC Protection, Computer Associates, F-secure, McAfee, Panda Software, Symantec/Norton, Tiny Software: Tiny Personal Firewall, and ZoneAlarm. For more information, visit NUIT's Personal Firewall Software page.
    
    
• Safer Browsing with Microsoft Internet Explorer
  
  • Pop-up Blocker: Now you can stop most browser windows that Web sites pop-up without your permission, giving you more control and less interruption when you're browsing the Web. Visit Block Pop-up Windows with Internet Explorer for more information.
    
    
  • Information Bar: There is now a display (just below the address bar) where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, potential security risks, and other activities. This information helps you avoid potentially harmful files you might otherwise accept from the Internet. For more information, visit Use the Internet Explorer Information Bar.
    
    
  • Add-on Manager: SP2 allows users to easily manage and enforce a list of add-ons to Internet Explorer that are either permitted or disabled to enhance security and reduce the potential for crashes. For more information, visit Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager.
• New Wireless LAN Client: SP2 provides a new user interface and an updated wireless networking infrastructure to enable easier setup and management of wireless connections. The new wireless LAN client will work with a broad range of wireless hot spots, allowing users to connect seamlessly without having to install or update a third-party client.

For a detailed list of SP2 features, visit Windows XP Service Pack 2 Feature List.