Posted on 08/06/2004 3:04:17 PM PDT by HAL9000
Microsoft released the long-anticipated Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to manufacturing mid-day Friday, just two days after unknown delays temporarily stumped its wrap.Although Microsoft's signed off on SP2 -- a major update to Windows XP that devotes considerable effort toward tightening up the operating system against security threats -- it's not yet offering the upgrade to end users.
SP2 will post for downloading next week, said Microsoft, but it's urging users to not flood the Windows Update servers by retrieving the approximately 80MB file on their own. Instead, the Redmond, Wash.-based developer is trying to convince users to let the patch come to them.
Thursday, Microsoft amended its Windows XP Web site to include instructions on enabling Windows' Automatic Update feature, which will then download the new version when capacity's available.
“The timing for customers to receive the Service Pack 2 download through Automatic Updates depends on a number of factors,” said Microsoft in a statement. “[That includes] the customer's Internet usage, location, language, and the level of Internet demand for Service Pack 2.”
For those without big bandwidth, Microsoft will also make SP2 available on CD, free of charge. The company will even pick up the shipping tab.
New machines featuring Windows XP SP2 won't appear until the September-October time frame, said Microsoft, which added that it is working with major manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and IBM to get the new edition on systems as soon as possible.
SP2's most discussed changes include a more rigorous approach to security, including stronger default settings and the new Security Center, an end-user console for monitoring bundled and third-party firewall and anti-virus defenses.
“We encourage Windows XP users to spend five minutes today to turn on Automatic Updates, thus ensuring they'll receive Service Pack 2 as it becomes available,” said Will Poole, who leads Windows client development, in a statement.
Heck, at 3GHz and the RF sidelobes I'll need another case too? Because of RF leakage? I like my tower. Should I get some copper mesh from work or anechoic absorber? My friend built one with a 1.4GHz and can't listen to the radio while online. The radio is jammed. I am a microwave engineer.
Me too:
1). Shoot her (not an option) or
2). Shoot her computer.
Ahhh - the memories...
When I was stationed in Alaska (artic circle..) my room was about 300 feet from the radar. I used to have to do this exact thing to shield my Timex Sinclair...
d) use a Mac!
I would suggest Firefox with AdBlock installed. Sit there for a half hour or so, surfing the net (instead of her). Block all those sites that host the images (doubleclick, etc). If she doesn't see them, she won't click on them.
That's cool - but I'm talking about the *links*. Not necessarily ads.
I don't know where she's surfin'. But she's takin' her Cadillac to Compton and gettin' stomped. Oh well - it's my cousin's problem. ;-)
Works wonders for me.
Like she'd understand what I was asking her. (/Snicker)
I exceed all those requirements and still have stuttering, choppy video on Doom3. It is unplayable. Am in the process of getting the latest Radeon 9200 driver to see if that will help. Going to small screen and low quality video doesn't improve anything. Their ultra high resolution setting drove my box to the desktop. LOL That must take some cruncher.
Athlon XP 2200
Radeon 9200 128MB
512MB RAM
All the latest drivers
Carmack says you'll need a 512MB graphics card to handle full resolution, and those don't even exist yet. It'll be a cool game when hardware catches up next year. Kind of sad because I get up to 300 frames per second on Quake 3 at full resolution. I have to admit that the graphics and effects look pretty realistic though.
Thnaks for the tip. I got the new driver and my choppiness is gone too.
Though that states it's NOT for single computer installations.
Regardless, I think I'll wait until it's been around at least a little while.
Dan
.
Ah, the soothing sounds of OS holy wars here on FR.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.