Ready or not, Windows XP update is coming

Microsoft is alerting customers that it will soon start delivering Windows XP Service Pack 2 to all customers using Automatic Update, whether they want it or not.

In response to requests from businesses, Microsoft last year released a tool that allowed companies to continue using the automatic update feature but temporarily block the security-oriented update from downloading.

However, the grace period comes to an end on April 12. Microsoft has posted a warning on its Web site, alerting people about the impending deadline.

"Time is running out!" Microsoft said. "Please note that the mechanism to temporarily disable delivery of Windows XP SP2 is only available for a period of 240 days (eight months) from Aug. 16, 2004. At the end of this period (after April 12, 2005), Windows XP SP2 will be delivered to all Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 systems."

Microsoft first released the SP2-blocking tool in August, saying it would allow customers to put off the upgrade for 120 days. In September, Microsoft said it would double the length of time, to 240 days, to give businesses more time to test the software.

In a statement, Microsoft said it is sticking to that schedule.

"SP2 is an important, free security update for Windows XP customers that is already delivering value to over 180 million customers worldwide," said Jon Murchinson, a Microsoft product manager.

The move affects only those who use Windows' automatic update to connect directly to Microsoft servers. Some businesses have reconfigured the automatic update feature to connect to their own corporate update servers. Those companies can continue to push out updates to their own schedule.

While recognizing the need for customers to test software, Microsoft has been urging businesses to move to SP2 for its enhanced security benefits, particularly for portable machines that frequently travel in and out of a corporate firewall.

Windows security

Isn't it about time Microsoft just released secure software rather
than forcing updates on consumers. The public deserves better.

Use a Mac - they work, they're fun and most importantly,
they're secure.

[catchall]

Please

Apple rolls out security patches for the Mac often, actually. I think it was yesterday that they patched an issue they have known about for months. And to call it more secure because no one bothers to write attacks for <3% of the computers out there is a joke. Should Apple ever get its market share out of the sub-basement, you will see similar attacks on them.

As for SP2, I can't believe companies haven't adapted their applications. How much time is needed?

[chish]

Who's in control of your computer?

Pretty amazing that Microsoft can automatically upload the SP2 update. Don't have to wonder why there are some many holes in all things Microsoft....it's so they can get in anytime they want. Hmmmmmmm, maybe it's time to go Linux.

[Andrew J Glina]

Linux Drone

Microsoft cannot "upload" data to a computer. The story is refering to the computer downloading the data.

As for Linux, I use it as a server. It is too bloated and time consuming to configure for desktop usage.

[Grzegorz_Z]

or maybe....

...it's the time to dust off the CD with previous "less secure" version of Win. In my case - it's 98SE. When You block IE and OE on firewall, have good antivirus program, and use "other" apps for browsing the Net and for email what other "security" is needed? Thanks God, there is a Firefox :)

[Prndll]

This is exactly what I been saying all along....

When your running XP on your computer, your computer is owned by Microsoft...NOT you.

A previous poster suggested the he might pull out his old win98se disk.....
Windows98se is alot more secure than XP could ever hope to be. IE6.0 has alot more problems than IE5.0 or IE5.5.

You cannot be safe with XP. Microsoft has assured this. The interesting part of this is that it is very hard to get a new Windows computer that does not already have XP installed onto it. Hard enough that most people will not even try. The only thing any user could do is build a computer and use an OS other than XP. If the user wants to use Windows that is. I for one, will always build....I will NEVER buy. Building is better and safer. Too many people say they don't know how to build their own. I was once like that. I LEARNED. I took the time to learn and I urge everyone to do the same. The more you learn, the more secure you can make yourself. If your not willing to learn, then you will fall prey to companies like Microsoft. Your computer will never truely be yours. As well as any information attached to your name (and your number) that traverses your computer. If you take the time to buy anything in the realm of computers, you have a personal responsibility to take the time to learn.

Thats not entirely true

They can really only force it to those that used the Microsoft's version of the SP2 block program which expires. But there is a registry key that was created that can prevent SP2 for as long as that key is in the registry.

The link to the registry file is here:
ftp://brainscott.com/Microsoft/SP2Block/XPSP2Block.reg

[City_Of_LA]

What's next?

Will I not be allowed to use iTunes anymore? Would it be disabled in favour of Media Player? Am I going to need permission from them to use Firefox instead of IE? I don't like the intrusion on my hard drive Bill. Get it? I paid good money for a sub-standard OS, surely I can decide what Service Packs I want or not.

[herkamur]

choosing service packs

Of course you can choose service packs! Just turn off automatic update! My WinXP box (amid a crowd of GNU/Linux boxes) is still SP1 and I have no plans to go to SP2. No problem, I just have the automatic update disabled. It's that easy. Why are people getting all bent out of shape over this? I only update with the packages that *I* want.

Firefox

Firefox is a great browser - use it for sites that don't like Mac's
native Safari

[System Tyrant]

Just for kicks

How many times has microsoft intentionally made windows not work with a competitors program? Microsoft can do what ever it wants with it's OS (of course so could Mac and Linux). I don't think you will wake up tomorrow with SP2 installed over SP 1, but if they wanted to they could. The attitude I see over and over in these post is that of complacement. Since everyone seems so happy with their current OS why don't we just stop arguing about it. We don't need to ask anything more from our OS's (beit windows, linux, or OS X).

This is why security sucks on OS's and Software. We just stand back and defend insecurity on all fronts. You want better software then demand it. This is probably the silliest argument I have heard, but let me give you my opinion.

Windows is insecure and bloated. They aren't going to fix that with patches or service packs. They also use unfair and often illegal tactics to fend off competetion.

Linux has too many cheifs, is way too bloated with extra features, and requires users to know a lot more than the average user is willing to learn.

Apple tries to keep to tight a reign on it's platform. It's prices maybe justified, but they are still way too high. OS X has it's problems as well don't think it doesn't.

[Prndll]

I agree

This is atleast part of why Microsoft will not be getting any money from me for their OS or by proxy through a pc maker through a purchase of a new computer. Dell, Compaq, and no one else will sell me a pc with a blank harddrive....and I don't buy. MS will get no backing from me by my money or by my endorcement. I do believe that MAC is more secure and Linux symbolizes freedom, but I do agree with you.

What bothers me most is what the masses are doing and what they are not. This is one of the greatest accomplishments in communications and information technology that the human race has ever known, and the majority of the poeple just seem to allow controls and limitations that belittle this whole thing to a meaningless waste.

[Earl Benser]

SP2 can be tolerated....

... but first eliminate (as much as possible) IE and OE from your
computer. Go with FireFox and Thunderbird. Then don't turn on
Automatic Uopdates - that's just asking for trouble. Instead,
review each new update, reject IE and OE updates and any others
that are suspicious, and then let the rest install. I don't know if
they all work, but they don't seem to impact how my PC's run (so
far, anyhow). But then, my PC;s are rarely used on the internet.

[Prndll]

Tolerated?

IE cannot be eliminated from a windows computer.

ALL MS updates are suspicious.

[Ubber geek]

reject IE

http://www.analogstereo.com/fiat_bravo_owners_manual.htm

Working with your software supplier

All of this sounds like having to work in spite of, rather than
with your supplier.

There's a better way

[Prndll]

yeah, there is a better way.....

Don't use XP.