Improved network protection
Network protection is greatly improved in Service Pack 2. Windows Firewall (previously called Internet Connection Firewall) is now always on, and is also more configurable. The firewall now protects the computer against attacks during startup: the network driver is only loaded once Windows Firewall is activated. Likewise, when shutting down, the firewall provides effective protection by switching off the network driver first. As mentioned above, Windows Firewall is always active, with all network connections. The user can configure the firewall by default, although the network administrator can disable this option in the profile editor if necessary.
There is also better access to Windows Firewall's options. Instead of wading through dialogue boxes, as before, a system tray icon appears as soon as the network connection is active. Security-related features are also gathered together in the new Security Center front end.
Firewall configuration: exceptions for certain applications.