Welcome to
the 3rd edition, year 3, of Presidio Computer's Newsletter.
Vol 3. No. 3
A. General
Audience
B.
Intermediate Users
1. Online
tech support
2. Optical
Disk rot
The following
are the professional opinions of Presidio Computers. They are neither
supported nor sponsored by Microsoft.
A. 1. Introduction
A service
pack is a term used to describe a collection of patches and updates for a
particular computer program. In the case
of Windows XP SP2, SP2 is more like a 2nd edition of Windows XP. Significant changes have been made to the way
Windows XP functions. Minor changes to
the appearance of Windows XP have also occurred.
I think:
Microsoft recently released an upgrade to Windows XP [ Home & Professional ]. The intent is positive, but the results may be disastrous. Until now, Windows XP has been like a host at a party, wanting to please everyone, making sure everyone is having a good time, introducing strangers, settling disagreements. With computing, this causes security problems. Programs are able to do almost everything they want to do. The program works, but computer security suffers.
Microsoft is
aware of these security issues. In an effort to strengthen Windows XP,
Microsoft released, for free, "service pack 2".
Prior to SP2,
Windows XP was like a congenial host / hostess at a large part. Windows wanted to make sure every program had
a good time: a. receiving the food & drink [ resources ] the guests want;
having entertainment options, whether that meant listening to a piano or
banging on the piano with a hammer; and being comfortably situated, whether
that meant sitting on a couch, or walking across the upholstery with muddy
shoes. Following the release of SP2,
Windows XP has taken charge of the party.
“Sit down. Enjoy your food and
drink. Pay attention to the
concert.”
release for public _________________
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/08/06/microsoft.update.ap/index.html
http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowsxp_sp2.asp
Unfortunately, the strengthened security will cause some [ 1%? , 99%? ] of your programs to malfunction.
Here are some web pages that can provide examples of the problems you may experience.
http://yahoo.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,115093,00.asp
http://www.crn.com/sections/breakingnews/breakingnews.jhtml?articleId=23905071
http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/58.htm
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=22103525
Before you install Window XP SP2, contact the tech support department of every program on your computer. Find out what recommendations they have for dealing with Windows XP SP2. Contact the manufacturer of each piece of hardware [ motherboard, video card, modem, network card, etc ], and ask them what recommendations they have for dealing with Windows XP SP2.
Wait a while [ 6 months may be reasonable ] until you upgrade to Windows XP SP2. By March 2005, most of the serious bugs should be discovered and resolved.
Until then: install a firewall; install a popup blocker; be sure your antivirus software is up to date and constantly monitoring your system; don't open any suspicious email; don't visit any questionable [ you will need to define this term ] web sites and obtain certain critical updates offered by Microsoft.
End of my opinion.
Before
installing any software program or patch, or any piece of hardware, be sure to
backup all of the important information on your computer.
Reminder:
You can now access previous issues of the newsletter, from my website. When you visit www.presidiocomputers.com, no
cookies are placed on your computer.
As always,
Presidio Computers, is available to assist you with any of the computer issues
described above.
If you want
your name removed from this mailing list, please let me know. Your name is not
kept in an address book. Your name is neither shared with nor sold to anyone.
You will not receive any junk mail from Presidio Computers.
Disclaimer: The material contained in this newsletter is
provided for informational purposes only. No guarantees nor warranties are
expressly given nor implied.
Best of
success.
Sincerely,
Ed Sloup
Presidio Computers, LLC
520 731 6446
www.presidiocomputers.com