Security-focused Windows upgrade to be released in August
vnunet.com, 13 Jul 2004
The Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) will finally be released in August, Microsoft has confirmed.
This is the first service pack to contain whole new applications rather than patches, and 80 per cent of the 80MB of code is aimed at improving system security.
The launch of SP2 was originally due in May and then rescheduled for July.
"Our goal is to isolate and shield all attack vectors and SP2 is all about this," Will Poole, senior vice president of Microsoft client systems, told the Microsoft Worldwide Partner conference in Toronto.
"We had to fundamentally change the rules of the security problem to make Microsoft more resilient to attack. Consequently [SP2] will be released to manufacture in August and should take no more than 90 days to be on all partner and original equipment manufacturer PCs."
Poole also highlighted some additional features of XP SP2 not previously disclosed.
The enhanced Microsoft firewall has the capability to open and close ports dynamically, so that applications like online games require no in-depth configuration.
The use of ActiveX controls has also been altered to reduce the likelihood of intrusion. To prevent extra code being inserted the amount of text the controls can carry has been limited.
Aussie office shoots Redmond in the foot after jumping the gun
Upgrade now if you want security, Redmond tells 2000 and 9x users
IT managers likely to take 'wait and see' approach to forthcoming upgrade
Beta tester feedback leads to functionality and user interface alterations
In part one of V3.co.uk's interview with Dirk Singer, he dicusses social media monitoring strategies
Remote access - Three steps to getting connected
3.4 million UK professionals now work from home – is your company equipped?
Cost benefits of a global collaboration network
This white paper is a must read for organisations looking for evidence of the bottom-line benefits of high-definition video and voice communications
Keep up to date with the latest products, services and technologies from the world's leading IT companies; IThound.com brings you over 6,000 white papers, case studies and analyst reports.
In part two of our summit special, Autonomy, Alfresco and...
As part of the V3 Summit, Altendorf discusses customer experiences...
IBM's collaboration technologist outlines tools that can aid working together
Do you agree?
Have your say on this article