TIME TO DUST OFF THAT OLD AMIGA

Since Dr. X's post peaked my interest, I have done some looking into Windows XP Service Pack 2 issues and here is what I have found so far:

First, SP2 is a major upgrade, "a-damn-the-torpedoes" patch mainly targeted at internet and network security holes. It has some other stuff too mostly as enticements.

The service pack is currently only available by download via Microsoft, but will be added to the Windows Updates site starting 8/16.

Starting 8/16, if you have automatic updates enabled, you will get SP2 whether you like it or not. If you don't want it, but want to continue running automatic Windows Updates, there is a site where you can download a registry hack that will delay the automatic download for 120 days.

Here it is

After 120 days, the registry hack will stop working. This registry hack is not for casual users or people who are computer phobic.

As Dr. X mentioned, this service pack sounds buggier than most, and all service packs are buggy. My company's rule of thumb has been to wait a minimum of 6 months to a year, before installing a new service pack so that we could learn about problems from other peoples hellish experiences. Around the campfire, we still tell horror stories about the dreaded Windows NT4 Service Pack 4.

The most amusing part about service pack 2 is that I hear tell that it enables the Windows firewall. This means that it may automatically block any internet or network connection it finds. If you apply the service pack (and you will) remember this little tip. Your computer may immediately stop connecting to networks or the Internet.

Mac users, don't get too glib. Apple is starting to have chinks in their security and update infrastructure too.

Good luck.