When Microsoft updated Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) in August 2004, for the first time Windows included a firewall that was switched on by default.
The firewall in Windows Vista will, by default, have half its protection turned off because that is what enterprise customers have requested, according to the software giant.
The security industry converges at the annual RSA Conference in San Francisco this week, an event that's moved far beyond its origins as a get-together for cryptogeeks and other insiders.
Microsoft on Tuesday showed off a forthcoming update to Windows designed to make the operating system more secure and proposed a caller ID-like system for e-mail that could help curtail the growing spam problem.
Digital music and DVD movie add-on packs for Windows XP could stir controversy around its decision not to fully support the MP3 file format.
A look at ZoneAlarm Security Suite
Microsoft's new firewall offering, included in Windows XP Service Pack 2, has a long way to go to match established products from Zone Labs and other players. Additional reading: XP SP2: The good, bad and ugly
A look at ZoneAlarm Security Suite
Some users shut out of key security upgrades
While XP SP2 is a huge step forward for Microsoft, there are important caveats. For example, don't expect the new Windows Firewall to prevent keystroke-logging Trojans from stealing your credit card info.
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