Windows XP is great on a new
computer. The
older your computer and software
(programs)
the more problems you're likely
to have with
an upgrade. The pre-install checker
that
comes with Windows XP may lead
you astray
too. The new computer I have
now has Windows
XP on it. I don't plan to upgrade
the 3 year
old PC that I use here.
Major XP security hole
Windows XP has a huge security hole. Thanks
to the effort of Steve Gibson, there's a
simple fix. Go to http://grc.com/UnPnP/UnPnP.htm and http://grc.com/dos/sockettome1.htm . Read the articles, download the files
and follow the instructions. You'll do yourself
and everyone else on the Internet a big favor.
Warning: Before you use Windows Update, it's best
to have your system completely backed up. Sometimes updates or upgrades don't work
out, and you can be left with a computer
that won't start or run. If you're running
Windows XP, you'll probably be OK if you
have a recent System Restore Point.
Microsoft has released Service Pack 1 (SP1)
for Windows XP. Service packs keep software
up to date and plug security holes. If you
haven't been keeping XP up to date using
Windows Update, it's an *essential* upgrade
because it fixes many critical security holes
in XP. Or... you could just stick your head
in the sand. The four reviews linked here
should help you make up your mind.
http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/review/0,12070,561660,00.html
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1107-957873.html
http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/31.htm
http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2881521,00.html
I have decided not to install SP1 for myself.
I've been keeping Windows XP and IE 6 updated
using "Windows Update". If you
decide to go ahead, here are some Microsoft
links that you'll want.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q324722
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/default.asp
SP1 for Windows XP is a huge
download, so
I recommend that you buy the
CD from Microsoft
or borrow it from someone. The
CD is free,
but Microsoft charges $9.95 for
shipping
and handling.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/ordercd.asp
Microsoft also released SP1 for
Internet
Explorer 6.0 which fixes a number
of bugs
and security holes. This Service
pack is
included in SP1 for Windows XP
(but it's
not in SP1 for Windows 98). If
you have XP
on your machine and install SP1
for Windows,
you don't need SP1 for Internet
Explorer
6.0.
http://www.windows-help.net/microsoft/ie6-sp1.html
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp
In addition there's SP1 for Outlook Express
(getting tired yet?). Actually, SP1 itself
has been updated -- the link below will take
you to "...the Cumulative Update for
Outlook Express 6.0 SP-1", which includes
SP1 plus additional fixes. You must install SP1 for Internet Explorer 6.0 before
you install this one for Outlook Express.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q331923
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/q331923/default.asp
Windows XP resources
Windows XP upgrade
Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall.
Windows XP drivers
http://www.cnet.com/software/0-806182-8-8952717-1.html
There's good information on pruning
startup
programs at the Paul Collins site, and on pruning Windows XP services
at the Black Viper site.
How to Manually Remove Windows XP and Restore
Windows 95/98
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q250/4/56.ASP
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