Avoiding SP2

mancstudent · May 13, 2005

Right im doing a complete reinstall of my computer but im trying to avoid installing SP2. I only really use my computer for burning cds/dvds, word processing, downloading and playing music. I dont use any p2p software for music before you say I just use torrents. I dont feel like my computer is safe enough at the moment I have Firefox, adware and Avast on my computer I like the first two but am unsure about Avast ive come across plenty of viruses Avast hasnt found. Also anything people could recommend would speed up my pc would be great aswell. So basically im hoping people can give me a list of software they would consider essential if im not installing sp2 and anything else they think is good to have.

Thanks in advance !

ASUS · May 13, 2005

The Only reason I can think of for someone to not run SP2, is maybe they dont have Legal version of XP.
Why dont you want to use SP2??

Essential for me:
Sygate or ZA firewall, plus a router "hardware firewall"
Avast or AVG antivirus
AdAware SE
SpywareBlaster
TweakNow reg cleaner
FireFox is good too, I also use IE
If using XP SP2 & all critical updates

Ive been using Avast for long time, never any virus prroblems, but I'm carefull what I download.
I'd say anytime you download from the web you'll be at risk, but no need to freak out, Everything has risks, SP2 will reduce the risks!

As for speeding up your PC, to start with, provide some basic info, spec's?

Insomniac · May 13, 2005

ASUS said:

The Only reason I can think of for someone to not run SP2, is maybe they dont have Legal version of XP.
Click to expand...

SP2 doesn't enforce anti-piracy. It will install on any XP system.

ASUS · May 13, 2005

Insomniac said:

SP2 doesn't enforce anti-piracy. It will install on any XP system.
Click to expand...

Well, thats not exactly true, but not to argue I'll just say, OK, It probably will in the near future:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1754886,00.asp

Insomniac · May 13, 2005

Yes Micro$$oft intend on making patches and updates available to only genuine users, and has been warning of this for several months, but currently that is not the case.

Also, critical patches will still be available to anyone as a security measure.

Novice · May 14, 2005

I agree with ASUS about Avast, as I to have been using it for quite a while, and haven't had a virus sneek past it yet! What viruses did Avast let get on your computer?

Just Playin · May 14, 2005

Now is the perfect time to install SP2. You are starting out fresh, and SP2 is a very important part of keeping your compuer safe. Those who have had problems are the ones who didn't clean up ther computers and update their programs.

DavidGP · May 14, 2005

Just Playin said:

Now is the perfect time to install SP2. You are starting out fresh, and SP2 is a very important part of keeping your compuer safe. Those who have had problems are the ones who didn't clean up ther computers and update their programs.
Click to expand...

Spot on mate... if your reinstalling XP then now is a perfect time to install SP2 while you have a clean none virus/spyware and 3rd party software free PC.

as well as the excerllant programs ASUS listed I would also give

MS AntiSpyware and A2 ( a-squared ) a try,

MS Antispyware is what it says but A2 is a compatable anti-trojan, dialer, malware scanner ( also now picks up rogue cookies )

The forthcomming block to downloads from MS will mostly likely come in the Genuine Advantage guise as they are using at present on a voluntary basis for some downloads, as in the ASUS's link..... NOW comes the tricky part do MS block illegal XP PCs and run the risk of having Blaster/Sasser worm like infections because they block the many PCs running illegal OS ( I also bet many people dont know they have illegal versions either ) ... this could make many users turn to a open source as they have started to do with IE/Firefox

or do they just say they are going to check peoples licence, dont check just to see if some will be frightened into buying retail ( MS UK did have a spurt on saying if you have an illegal copy we will exchange it for a real one for a small cost ) thus limiting even more the amount of illegal copys, BUT still keep WU licence check free.

Only time will tell?

Adrynalyne · May 14, 2005

Insomniac said:

SP2 doesn't enforce anti-piracy. It will install on any XP system.
Click to expand...

If you have a blacklisted PID or key, it doesn't install.

Or are you referring to something else?

Major Attitude · May 14, 2005

Im sorry, if your worried about security and have not installed SP2, your machine is already at a security risk for the well known exploits even a wanna be hacker type can play with.

Log in or Sign up

Avoiding SP2

mancstudent Private E-2

ASUS MajorGeek

Insomniac Billy Ray Cyrus #1 Fan

ASUS MajorGeek

Insomniac Billy Ray Cyrus #1 Fan

Novice MajorGeek

Just Playin MajorGeek

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

Adrynalyne Guest

Major Attitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com Staff Member