Tags: sp2, xp, zone

News (7)

• Windows XP SP2 flaw complex but dangerous

  Security experts have identified a modified exploit that can target computers running Windows XP SP2.

• SP2's firewall not good enough

  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.

• Zone Labs' glee at hobbled Vista firewall

  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.

• Major browsers bitten by security bugs

  For every browser, a security bug.

• Millions of Bagle worms kill the Windows XP2 firewall

  Three new variants of the Bagle worm, which can disable the latest firewall protection in Windows, were discovered on Friday and antivirus companies are bracing for a surge of infections during the day.

Blogs (1)

• 

  Microsoft OneCare only cares about one...

  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...

Features and Case Studies (10)

• More IE threats surface

  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.

• SP2's new firewall: Not good enough

  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

• The threat of Browser Helper Objects

  A feature in Internet Explorer allows attackers to hijack secure financial transactions from unsuspecting users. Australian banks targeted include ANZ, National, and Westpac. How can you protect yourself?

• Antivirus: Tools for SMBs

  Security is an essential requirement to providing a reliable, consistent IT infrastructure. In this report, we look at how one financial concern battles viruses and showcase a string of antivirus solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses.

• Get up to speed on Microsoft's August security bulletins

  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?

Reviews (25)

• Windows XP SP2 more secure? Not so fast

  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.

• Microsoft Windows XP SP2

  We recommend installing Windows XP SP2 but only after Microsoft has had a few weeks to work out the kinks.

• Windows Vista Home Basic

  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

  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

  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.

• Just In

• Most Popular

• Most Discussed

Reader Services

Popular Topics

Essentials