5 Reasons to Update Windows XP to Service Pack 2" Microsoft released Service Pack 2 (SP2) for the Windows XP operating system back in August (2004), representing significant improvements in many areas, especially system security. For those people that are still unsure whether they should update to it, the following five reasons may help make the decision easier. 1. Protects Against Unsafe Attachments / Downloads Service Pack 2 provides Windows XP with a �Windows Security Center�, and other key tools, to help protect the user�s system from unsafe attachments and downloads. This type of protection is one step to prevent viruses and Trojans from slipping onto a user�s system and wreaking the type of havoc that has become an increasing problem in recent years. One way it does this is

through warnings in Internet Explorer�s �Information Bar�, which alert a user to potentially unsafe downloads. The suspect content is blocked automatically, and no action is taken until the user manually addresses the warning. Unsafe file attachments are now also blocked in a similar manner via Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, thus protecting not only web based content, but also items received via e-mail. Another way it protects from unsafe files is by monitoring the system�s anti-virus software and alerting the user if the system is at risk due to the software being out of date. Although Microsoft does not offer any virus protection themselves, this feature makes sure that whatever pro

gram the user has decided to use stays current and as effective as possible. 2. Windows Firewall A software based firewall is included with Service Pack 2, intended to protect the system from access by unauthorized individuals on the internet or local network. The firewall is activated automatically by Windows, but users have the option to disable it, as well as to create exceptions to bypass the security in certain situations. When utilized, the protection is active from startup to shutdown, providing a simple firewall solution to any computer with SP2 installed. Small pop up style windows are generated to alert the user of possible attempts to access the system from the outside, as wel

l as when programs try to go out onto the internet. These pop ups are approved/denied by the user before anything is allowed to happen.