I’m pushing the latest update from Microsoft on the Small Biz Advisor site. I really think everyone needs to install this update– it’s a watershed event in the area of computer security. (There’s a lot more to SP2 than the security updates– especially if you’re running the Tablet PC or Media Center editions of XP… but the security updates are the primary driving force behind my recommendation.)
Are there going to be a few compatibility issues with XP SP2? Yeah, probably. However, the bottom line is that a system that is not secure by definition is not reliable… so the days of staying a few months behind on updates in the interest of stability are over. Turn on automatic updates NOW, and you’ll get SP2 in the next week or two.
I’m even going a step further, and recommending users of older version of Windows should seriously consider that it might be time for an upgrade…
<blockquote>“If you’re running Windows 95, 98, or Me, it’s time to upgrade to XP. Wait a couple weeks, and then buy a $500 machine that comes pre-installed with SP2. If you’re running Windows 2000 I’m changing my tune: I used to say that there was no compelling reason for small business owners to move from 2000 to XP, but with the advent of XP SP2 there is a significant security advantage to XP– it’s time to make the switch, and it should be pretty painless.”</blockquote>
This is important stuff, folks. Either turn on automatic updates, or download the massive network installer and upgrade now. (Of course, if you’re running a Tablet PC than you’ve probably already upgraded, since the Tablet PC 2005 bits come with SP2, and it’s such a compelling upgrade.)
SP or not SP, that is the question...
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