Microsoft has spent a lot of time on this Service Pack and now you will have to spend some time to implement it. First, as with any other major installation, you will want to backup all of your important data. Second, you will want to update your anti-virus program. All the major anti-virus manufacturers have worked with Microsoft to make sure that their products work properly with SP2, but some are recommending that you perform a free update of their anti-virus software before you install SP 2. If you have the automatic update feature of your anti-virus program turned on, your software will be updated without your intervention. If your anti-virus program doesn't have an auto-update feature or you don't have it turned on, see the Web site of your anti-virus manufacturer for details on how to update the program. McAfee has instructions on how to do this at their Web site. Symantec has a comprehensive Windows XP Service Pack 2 Information Center that states that all their products will work with SP2, and explains exactly how their products will function with Windows XP. (If you use any Symantec product, this site is worth a look.) If you are currently running a firewall, it will still function with the Windows Firewall, but again, you may want to install any available updates before you install Service Pack 2.

You might also want to check your computer manufacturer's Web site for information on SP2 before you install. Some manufacturers had no information at all, but some were very worthwhile. Dell's SR2 Informational Web Site was extremely well done and very informative. Dell listed one notebook computer that should not be upgraded to SR2 until a new driver is prepared. This will not affect too many users, but for the owners of that particular Inspiron computer, a visit to the Dell site will save them from a big headache.

Once you begin the installation of SP2, Microsoft will automatically set a restore point. This means that if the installation messes up your computer or your programs you will be able to use the System Restore function that is built into Windows XP to return your computer to a point before the installation. System Restore can be accessed by clicking on Start- All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Restore.

Allow plenty of time for this installation, since this update is about 80 MB. This will be no problem for broadband users, but this is a very large download for dial-up users. Microsoft has stated that they will use software that allows dial-up users to get the update in chunks over time, but you if you have a dial-up connection, you may want to consider ordering the free SP2 from Microsoft on a CD.

After you install Service Pack 2, you may need to spend some extra time dealing with the new Windows Firewall. In SP2, Microsoft has not only beefed up their firewall, but they have enabled it by default and have set it to a high level of security. That means that after you install the Service Pack, the new Windows Firewall will be working, ready to stop unauthorized access to your computer. Some of the programs you currently have running on your computer will not be authorized to send information to and from your computer so these applications may not work as they did before. Don't panic though, in most cases, this just means that you will have to change the Windows Firewall settings to allow the applications to work correctly.

Microsoft has developed a tutorial to help users with this process. It can be found at the Microsoft Help and Support Web site. Besides information on how to use and configure the new Windows Firewall, this Web site also gives you information on using the new Windows Security Center and the new Pop-up blocker in the Internet Explorer Web browser.

This is a major update, so after you install Service Release 2 and configure the new firewall, you want to try out each of your programs to make sure they are still working properly. Most of the problems encountered will be directly related to the firewall, so if a program doesn't work properly, double-check to be sure you have given it access in the Firewall set up. If the program still doesn't work, check the Web site of the manufacturer for an update. Some programs have had to be tweaked to work with the new higher security settings that are used in SR2.

While all this may seem like a lot of work, it is definitely worthwhile. Any Windows XP user who values the security of their computer and their data should install this Service Pack.

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