Important Update for Windows XP
By: Sandy Berger Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2002-10-11 10:52:54
Important Update for Windows XP
By Sandy Berger
Security experts have unearthed a hole in Windows XP that is large enough for a truck to drive through. With one simple line of code, a hacker can access a Windows XP computer and erase files from the hard drive. Microsoft has plugged the hole with a patch that is part of the larger update called Service Release 1 (SP1).
A Service Release is simply a large compilation of all the patches and fixes that have previously been issued. Service Releases can also include support for new features. In this case, Microsoft has added support for the new USB 2 technology and has also made several changes required by the Dept. of Justice.
I consider this a necessary update for any Windows XP user. Unfortunately, there are two drawbacks. First, the downloading and installation of the Service Pack is a time-consuming process. At approximately 137 MB, the file is a huge download. Over fast cable Internet connections, the process took an average of two and one-half hours for each of the four computers I have upgraded. That means many, many hours for those using dial-up connections. On top of that, although I have not had any problems at all with the Service Pack, there are quite a few postings on the Internet about the Service Pack causing computers to malfunction.
So what is a person to do? Here is my suggestion. Before you download the Service Pack back up all your important files. Also, be sure you create a Restore Point so that if the Service Release causes any problems you can easily restore your computer to its previous state. (Creating a Restore Point is easy. Click on Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools- System Restore-Create Restore Point.)
If you have a cable or DSL connection, download the Service Pack from the Microsoft Web site . If you are on a slow dial up connection, you may want to consider purchasing the update on a CD, which you can do at the Microsoft Web site. Microsoft is charging $10 for the CD. This is outrageous for something they should be giving away for free. However, they have a captive audience on this one. A computer user who wants their computer to be secure and who finds the download too big for their dial-up connection may have no other choice. One thought… Share your CD with everyone you know who has a Windows XP computer. Let’s not give Microsoft any more money than we have to on this one.
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