Comments on: Microsoft putting final touches on Windows update

TechEd attendees have mixed feelings on XP SP2. One compliments its "pop-up killer." Another calls integration a "major pain."

[Getitbuilt]

SP2 is a HUGE PAIN!

I've beta tested the new SP2 on multiply machines, and I must say it's a HUGE PAIN! The update hinders every thing from downloads and installs to web-browsing and simple online applications. I know it was ment to combat some critial errors in XP, but it really is just an OS virus protection software. It installs firewalls and script blockers. That's right, script blockers, so if you want to download something or run an online script, you always have this little box that drops down from your browers that you have to "allow" the operation to process. This is a major pain to any with web experience above a year. I thought this update would be great, I've found it only to be a hinderance. Unless you having to do more clicking when you want to do something online, I wouldn't recommend this update. The Internet experience is really hurt by this install.

[doverton12]

Have you tried configuring XP SP2

I have found XP SP2 easy to configure and use. Key things are that when a site is blocked - if I trust it, I add it to the trusted sites list.

If I have a site wanting to use cross-site scripting I don't trust that site - cross site scripting is evil!! (INHO) Especially given the number of attacks on users at the moment where people are phishing for credit info.

Acitve-X controls, pop-ups - I use the little yellow bar at the top of the screen and either allow or disallow.

An example of where this is all goodness is the recent patch MS released for a problem in IE - it is not needed if you are running XP SP2.

I love it - it keeps mine & my wife's PCs very safe.