Posted on 04/06/2005 6:57:37 AM PDT by bedolido
On Tuesday, April 12, Microsoft will turn off the blocking feature that has made it possible for some enterprises to block Windows XP Service Pack 2 downloads by employees who use Automatic Update. That means in companies that used the blocking tool, SP2 will be downloaded automatically to desktop computers that use Windows' Automatic Update feature.
In its April 4 report on business adoption of Windows XP SP2, AssetMetrix warned that a surge of SP2 downloads on April 12 could stress IT help desks and cause "productivity brownouts" among employees. But a Microsoft spokesman downplayed that scenario, saying fewer than 1% of Microsoft's enterprise customers ever used the blocking tool anyway. Small businesses and consumers will be unaffected by the change, he says, because the blocking tool was not available to them.
AssetMetrix advises companies that did use the blocking tool, yet now want employees to upgrade to SP2, to do so gradually before April 12 in order to avoid a big-bang support problem. It's worth noting that April 12, as the second Tuesday of the month, is the same day that Microsoft is scheduled to release its monthly software patches, if any are forthcoming.
If you don't download stuff you probably won't have any serious spyware. I got by for years with no problems, then I downloaded a game from CNET, which is a reputable site, run by Ziff-Davis. I nearly had to reformat and start over. It took hours to clean the machine.
Most of the infected machines I've seen have been used by teenagers to download free music. The "free" download sites are generally sponsored by spyware.
Some of this junk disables Windows Updates and blocks access to sites that offer cleaning tools. At least one of these sites has been sued into bankruptcy by Microsoft. I'd prefer a shotgun to the kneecaps.
I'm assuming 'unplanned' means it's being 'pushed'. No choice, therefore no complaints about lack of latest protection. All your updates are belong to us.
Roger that. I remember last year with the SP1 fiasco. My main reason for staying with 2000 is that XP is a big-time resource hog. My 1GHz machine runs faster with 2000 Pro than a 2GHz with XP.
I've also got a 350 MHz unit with NT4 WS that runs faster than the 1GHz, but I like the USB capability.
Oh, yes, the other email trick is to use a phony return address. If you are getting "returns" from email you didn't send, then someone who has your email address has been hijacked and is sending out mail using your email address as the return address. This is called spoofing. It is generally illegal, but then what does that mean?
It can be one of two things:
If your virus checker shows you're clean, then it's almost certainly one of the above two.
I use OS X, which doesn't have any viruses at all, and I also get these messages a couple of times a month.
I don't think so.
Maybe they're talking about some other tool.....you can't tell from this article....but I can tell you this much: no one in my Enterprise will be getting SP2 on the 12th.
Keeping W98SE machines thru support period, then will change to W2K.
It's a good thing I run Win 98 at home, SP2 won't work on it.
Although I haven't read it (I will never run XP on any system I own), I suspect that the original XP EULA, that you've already agreed to, contains a provision for autodownload and acceptance of patch EULA's. And probably a whole host of other behind the scenes processes that you shouldn't worry yourself about. (Nothing to see here, move along)
Just Micro$oft's way of freeing you of those tough decisions, and making your computing experience more friendly and enjoyable. /sarcasm
Geico sucks.
When I downloaded it, it slowed my dial-up to 28k. Nothing I have tried can get me back up to 50,000 + k.
nothing.
I had no problems with SP2 download on my two computers here at the House or on my two kid's laptop computers. Download worked like it was supposed to for which I am very thankful.
I saw that on a coworker's laptop the other day. I meant to ask him where he got it. Where is it available? Can you get it off the Windows Update site? Everytime I go there, none of the optional updates have it. Is it any better than AdAware or Spybot Search & Destroy?
But I have a question regarding #2 (Turn off all of the junk in your system tray that you don't need.) . Can you explain for us computer dummies exactly what stuff (or type of stuff) we do need to leave in the system tray?
Dial-up speed is controlled by the modem. Different brands of modems require different initialization strings to get beyond 28k.
What brand of modem do you have, or do you know?
microsoft.com downloads
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