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Free Windows XP Service
Pack (SP2) |
Hello
SpringNet1 Internet Subscribers!
To see what's inside this issue, take a look at the index to the left and thanks for reading! - The SpringNet1 Internet Team
|
Free Windows XP Service Pack (SP2)
- Promises Better Protection From Hackers, Viruses, And Worms
Microsoft
Corp. recently announced the release of the long-awaited security software
update for its popular Windows XP operating system. Dubbed "Service Pack 2"
(SP2) and costing almost one billion dollars to develop, this free software
download revises less than five percent of the millions of lines of code
that make up Windows XP. However, the software upgrade promises to make
users of Windows XP much safer from cyberattacks. SP2 adds protection by
closing entries for viruses, increasing spyware barriers, and improving the
safeguards of users' personal data. (Over 250 million copies of Windows XP
have been sold worldwide.) Note: Windows XP Service Pack 2 DOES NOT replace
the need for third-party virus protection, e-mail filtering, and firewall
protection.
SP2 Is Potentially Buggy -- Download At Your Own Risk
As with any release of new software, there promises to be bugs. SP2 is no
exception. Even Microsoft admits that SP2 may cause software incompatibility
issues (programs not working properly) once a user downloads SP2. We suggest
that you contact your software vendors before you download SP2 to make sure
their software is compatible. Microsoft provides a link (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242)
on its site which lists dozens of software programs and games that may not
work correctly once SP2 is downloaded. Companies who have versions of
software that may not run correctly after the download include Symantec
(anti-virus software), Macromedia, and even many Microsoft products! This
link also provides information on how to resolve some of these
incompatibility issues.
So keep in mind that, while Microsoft's Windows XP Service Pack (SP2) has
many new security features, it is still a work-in-progress. Download SP2 at
your own risk.
Major Security Features Of The New Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2):
Limited Firewall Protection - An Internet firewall helps to protect
against intruders gaining access to (hacking into) your computer via the
Internet. The firewall software, which currently comes as a part of the
Windows XP package known as the "Internet Connection Firewall" (ICF), is
replaced by a new firewall software called "Windows Firewall." Windows
Firewall, although not as comprehensive as many third-party firewalls, is
more robust than ICF. In addition, Windows Firewall is automatically "on" as
a default setting once the SP2 download is complete. (This is the reason for
many of the software program conflicts mentioned above.) Windows XP's
current firewall is not "on" by default. As a result, most Windows XP users
are not using nor were even aware of XP's current firewall availability.
Pop-up Ad Blocker - SP2 installs and activates a pop-up ad blocker by
default for use when surfing the Internet via Internet Explorer. The
settings for this blocker are adjustable. You can shut the blocking software
off if you like pop-ups, use sites that require pop-ups to function
properly, or enjoy using your current ad blocking software.
E-mail and Instant Messaging Protection - New e-mail protection
settings are available. Also, security cautions appear when attempting to
open or save suspect attachments received by e-mail or during instant
messaging sessions.
Downloading Windows XP Service Pack (SP2)
While the benefits of installing Service Pack 2 are many, users of Windows
XP may find challenges when downloading the software. Microsoft estimates
that download file sizes could range anywhere from 80 megabytes to 270
megabytes. (Yikes!) Downloaded file sizes will vary because the operating
system on a user's computer will download only the components of SP2 that it
needs. If a user has been downloading security updates all along, the
downloaded file will be smaller and not take as long. The downloading of
bigger files using slower Internet connections could take as long as a few
days according to Microsoft!
Rather than downloading the Windows XP Service Pack 2 via the Internet, an
alternative option is to obtain the software on CD-ROM. Microsoft Corp. will
soon begin taking requests at
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and ship CDs free of charge to
Windows XP users. (Delivery may take up to two months.) New boxed retail
versions of Windows XP that include SP2 will be available by the end of
October 2004. So, if you are still using Windows 98 and looking to upgrade
your operating system to Windows XP, wait until November 2004 and be sure
that SP2 is included as part of the package.
Note: Again, keep in mind that SP2 is a work-in-progress. Download
SP2 at your own risk. Also, Microsoft provides a "restore point" option in
Windows which promises to "roll back" your computer to where it was prior to
the download of SP2. If you run Windows XP and intend to download SP2, it
may be prudent to create a "restore point" on your computer as a safeguard
prior to the download. See the tutorial below for step-by-step information.
Springnet1’s SPAM & Security Services
- Check It Out
As you have
probably noticed, Spam has been reduced significantly over the past month;
this is due to our ongoing effort to control the e-mail flowing into our
system. This also includes viruses attached to e-mail messages. We can not
catch them all but we do remove most known Spam & viruses from e-mail before
it ever gets into your e-mail box. These services are free to our customers.
We also offer PC security services that you might find interesting.
Springnet1 has rolled out its new Security Agent. This software runs on your
PC and protects it from Internet attacks as well as viruses and trojans,
Springnet1 will make sure that the software is up to date and protecting
your system. For $3.95 per month you can stop worrying about all of these
security threats and just enjoy the Internet experience. Contact Anthony
Hopp ahopp@springnet1.com with any
questions about this exciting new service.
Ask The Help Desk - Web
Browser Not Accepting "Cookies?"
Question: I
have the cookie settings on my Internet Explorer 6 browser disabled so that
my computer does not accept any cookies. I just came across a website that
does not provide me with full access to the site unless I accept its
cookies. I have enabled my cookie settings so that I can gain access to this
site but it still won't allow me to access it. What else do I need to do to
make this work? (My operating system is Windows XP.)
Answer: The cookie settings are more involved than just turning them
on or off when using Internet Explorer 6 on a PC. In fact, there are six
different cookie settings ranging from "Block All Cookies" to "Accept All
Cookies." The default setting is medium and if you've adjusted it back to
that, it's possible that the current setting is not low enough for some
sites. Gradually "loosen up" on your cookie settings until the site works by
clicking your cursor arrow on the "Tools" menu, dropping down to "Internet
Options," and then clicking on the "Privacy" tab. Lower your cookie settings
slider one notch and click on the "Apply" button. Close the "Internet
Options" window and try your site again. If you are still unsuccessful,
repeat the process by lowering your cookie settings by one notch until the
site works properly.
If your browser is still not accepting cookies from the site, close Internet
Explorer and relaunch it. Check your cookie settings and then try the site
again. If that still doesn't work, a restart of your computer may do the
trick.
Great Sites To Check Out This Month
Find Out
How Hybrid Autos Work
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm - With the recent increase
in fuel costs, there's been more talk about hybrid cars. Hybrid technology
(uses two or more sources of power to provide propulsion) has been around
for a while. Many locomotives and buses combine diesel and electric power.
Some submarines utilize either diesel-electric or nuclear-electric power.
Mopeds combine the power derived from a gasoline engine with the pedal power
of its rider. But what goes on under the hood of a hybrid auto that can give
you 20 to 30 additional miles per gallon compared to a traditional
gasoline-powered auto? This site reveals all!
Trump's "The Apprentice" Returns For Second Season
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/The_Apprentice_2/ - The first season of NBC's
"The Apprentice" was a huge hit. Last spring, an average of 20.7 million
people watched the television show each week. The Donald returns this month
to test the business skills of eighteen new candidates. Tougher, more
intense weekly dossiers are planned for the teams this season. Each night
will, of course, culminate with one candidate hearing Mr. Trump's words,
"You're Fired!" This site allows you to catch-up on the latest episode news,
read candidate bios, review current updates about last season's candidates,
and a lot more.
See What's Up In Space Today
http://spaceweather.com/ - Even if
you have only a casual interest in what's happening in outer space, this
website is an interesting one to bookmark. Each day the site provides
editorial and images of what's going on up above in the wild blue yonder ...
asteroid flybys, aurora storms, planet alignments, spacecraft sightings,
meteor storms, etc. You can even sign-up to have the creators of
Spaceweather.com call you when things are happening in the sky over your
hometown. (There is a monthly fee for this service.) Check out the site and
then head out to your backyard tonight to see all the action firsthand.
Getting Help With Homework
http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/bjpinchbeck/ - Now that the
kids are back in school, they may be needing some assistance with their
homework. Look no further than BJ Pinchbeck's site. It has links to over 700
sites that can help kids with their homework. The links are divided by
subject for easy searching. There's also a set of fun study tool links that
will help make both you and your child wiser.
College Football 2004 Has Arrived!
http://ncaasports.com/football/mens - College football season has
finally arrived. A great place to keep updated on your favorite Division
1-A, Division 1-AA, Division II, and Division III teams is at the NCAA's
official college football site. It includes up-to-the-minute scores, the
latest polls, regional rankings, records, game schedules, photo galleries,
bowl schedules, and statistics. It's got it all!
Short Tutorial - Create
"Restore Point" On Computer Before Downloading SP2
If you use
Windows XP and plan to install Microsoft Corp.'s free Windows XP Service
Pack (SP2), it would be wise to create a "restore point" on your computer
BEFORE you download SP2. Similar to backing up your system, creating a
restore point lets you roll back your computer to where it was prior to the
download of SP2. (Just in case something goes wrong during the SP download
or software applications don't work properly afterwards, it's better to be
safe than sorry.) It's easy. Here's how to do it:
- Click your cursor arrow on the "Start" menu.
- Go to "All Programs" on the pop-up list.
- Go to "Accessories" on the sub-menu.
- Go to the "System Tools" sub-menu.
- Select "System Restore" from the sub-menu by clicking on it.
- The "Welcome to System Restore" window will open. Click your cursor arrow on "Create a Restore Point." Then click on the "Next >" button.
- When the "Create a Restore Point" dialog box opens, give your restore point a name by typing it in the "Restore point description" field. Click on the "Create" button.
- The "Restore Point Created" window will open giving you the name of the restore point along with the date and time it was created.
- Click on the "Close" button.
- Click your cursor arrow on the "Start" menu.
- Go to "All Programs" on the pop-up list.
- Go to "Accessories" on the sub-menu.
- Go to the "System Tools" sub-menu.
- Select "System Restore" from the sub-menu by clicking on it.
- The "Welcome to System Restore" window will open. Click your cursor arrow on "Restore my computer to an earlier time." Then click on the "Next >" button.
- When the "Select a Restore Point" window opens, select the pre-SP2 download date within the calendar frame you chose as your restore point. Then, on the list, click on the name you called your restore point. Click "Next >."
- Read the warnings on the "Confirm Restore Point Selection" window, and if you are satisfied that you selected the correct restore point, click the "Next >" button.
- The system will log you off, shutdown, and then do "system restore." When it is completed, Windows will restart.
We hope you
found this newsletter to be informative. It's our way of keeping you posted
on the happenings at our shop. If, however, you'd prefer not to receive
these bulletins on a monthly basis, click HERE.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards,
Neal E. Miller
President
Springnet1, Inc.
(We have used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein. However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)
©2004
Cornerstone Publishing Group Inc.
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