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Windows Firewall is now more configurable and easier to administer. Microsoft also provides access to all security-related options via the Security Center. Users with systems powered by AMD's Athlon 64 processor enjoy more protection than those with comparable Intel-based PCs: Service Pack 2 activates the NX function in the Athlon 64, which prevents the execution of dangerous code from a memory overflow. Intel currently only offers this feature with its high-end Itanium processor, but may well implement it in it desktop CPUs before long.
Some additions that Microsoft is offering in Service Pack 2 have long been available from third parties, including pop-up blockers for Internet Explorer and protection from dangerous email attachments. Even so, many people exclusively use programs that come with the OS, and these users are now catered for. The integrated pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer makes Web browsing a more pleasant experience, while the protection from dangerous email attachments in Outlook Express is also welcome.
Windows XP with Service Pack 2 now offers the best protection that Windows has ever enjoyed. However, security can still be compromised: if you click on email attachments like 'I Love You', don't be surprised if strange things happen with your system. You should delete emails from people you don't know.
With a firewall -- which for XP users with Service Pack 2 is installed by default -- and an anti-virus program (which does not come with Windows XP), most attacks on your computer can be repelled. But before you start opening attachments all over the place, remember: these measures do not offer one hundred percent protection.
Microsoft has made Release Candidate 1 (RC1) of Service Pack 2 available for download.
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