Security vendors face a new competitor with Microsoft's release of the Windows XP update, but they say the software giant's security features have yet to cause them concern.
With Microsoft having released Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to manufacturing, the technology that some have nicknamed "Security Pack 2", coupled with recent rumblings from Microsoft, is spinning the spotlight towards the personal firewall and antivirus sectors.
Microsoft's Windows XP has received a fair amount of hype in the lead up to its release-Matt Lake and Josh Mehlman assess its usefulness for businesses.
The official launch of Windows XP has a lot of IT professionals asking the simple question, "What's the real value proposition for upgrading to Windows XP?"
State-owned NSW Energy wholesaler TransGrid expects to complete its Cisco network upgrade by the end of 2009.
I found out last week that although Windows Vista will have a snazzy new firewall, by default it will be set to block only incoming traffic -- unless you decide to pay Microsoft an extra US$50 a year...
Two new Microsoft Internet Explorer threats haven't been patched and since one of them is addressed in Windows XP Service Pack 2, users may have to wait until the release of that Service Pack.
In August, Microsoft released a dozen security bulletins, rating nine as critical threats. (The remaining three are important threats.) With that many updates in a single month, how do you know which ones to concentrate on first?
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 flaw in the way Internet Explorer handles some errors, discovered by security company GreyMagic, could result in an attacker being able to read local files on a system or run various scripting commands. Get the details.
The software giant has issued a flurry of medium-level security threats that Windows administrators need to be aware of. Additional reading: The beginning of the end for Microsoft?
Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
We recommend installing Windows XP SP2 but only after Microsoft has had a few weeks to work out the kinks.
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.
Telstra shareholders fear break up
What do Telstra shareholders think of the telco's new CEO David Thodey? And would they support the government'… Watch it now
The Change Program changes its Agenda
What happens when you change the agenda of the ATO's Change Program, or program in some changes to the Agenda?… Watch it now
Microsoft's Tracey Fellows on Windows 7
After the launch of Windows 7 last week, ZDNet.com.au spoke briefly with Microsoft Australia and New Zealand M… Watch it now
Having problems with complex data center? Simplify your data center now.
Has New Zealand's smiling assassin delivered?
The long-awaited separation of Telstra
Google open-sources JavaScript tools
What makes you click?
Tell us for a chance to win a $1,000 GAME gift voucher.
Click here for more.
Win an iPhone 3GS!
Sign up as a ZDNet Australia member during November and you'll go in a draw to win an iPhone 3GS!
Click here to sign up!
Best Laptops
Check out the best laptops here!
Click here for more.
