RSSSecond SP2 Release Candidate Slated for May
By David Worthington | Published April 22, 2004, 4:57 AM
Before the finals bits are released this summer, a second release candidate of Windows XP Service Pack 2 will be released mid-May. Microsoft issued a technical preview of SP2 in March to familiarize developers with the changes it was making to secure Windows, and to ward off potential problems brought about by applications malfunctioning post upgrade.
Under the umbrella of its Trustworthy Computing initiative, Microsoft has fortified Windows XP with a new mix of security features. Service Pack 2 will include a new version of Internet Explorer, which for the first time includes a pop-up blocker and download manager; improved memory protection designed to avert buffer overruns; e-mail safeguards for Outlook Express; a more comprehensive firewall implementation; and a new set of security settings for Windows Media Player 9.
Microsoft secured networking by reducing privileges assigned to system services such as Remote Procedure Call (RPC). In addition, the Windows product team has redesigned its Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) by adding granular COM permissions. Microsoft has also disabled the much maligned Messenger service by default.
Control over security features will be centrally administered via the new Windows Security Center. Security Center manages Active X Controls, runs checks for the third-party antivirus protection, manages automatic updates, and controls the Windows Firewall. The new software is the brainchild of feedback Microsoft gained during its PC Satisfaction trial.
Service Pack 2 will bundle the Lonestar upgrade for Tablet PCs, as well as support for Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition.
is there a version of reset5 that works with sp2 yet? i had to uninstall sp2 rc1 on my laptop because i was using reset5 on there.
still using it on my desktop computer, and i love it =D
Score: 0
|Hmm, I have had very few legitimate problems with RC1 that couldn't be fixed through simple setting changes... all of which I properly voiced via the Feedback option that MS provided. :)
The few problems I experienced are:
1)Windows Firewall does NOT properly block "ICMP" requests when selected to block them, a problem that MS is aware of and correcting for RC2.
2) Windows Security Center, while irritating for IT Professionals like myself, is extremely helpful for the average user that doesn't know squat about security and helps to complement advice by IT Professionals. Perhaps now end-users will FINALLY start taking our warnings seriously. The problem, however, is that they need to work faster and better with 3rd party antivirus and firewall companies to make Security Center recognize their products.
3) The popup blocker fails a few tests at popuptest.com... Another problem they are aware of and working to improve.
4) Gee, is this really a bug or a fix, lol... A lot of poorly-written crappy script-based software gets broken because of the new security fixes... Gee, you mean programmers have to fix their junk now, hehe.
Aside from those and a few suggestions for IE enhancements that I made regarding the Security Zone lists for Trusted and Restricted zones, I can't really find anything with the SP2 RC1 release that I didn't like or didn't work.
I suspect that in many cases, if it didn't work for you, either you have a lot of junk and problems on your system or else you didn't take time to work with it to resolve your issues.
Score: 0
|Finally, real comments from an actual IT professional!
Score: 0
|In fairness, I should point out that BetaNews' article is incorrect in stating the following items:
1) Calling IE a "New Version" is a stretch... essentially it contains an "Add-ons Manager" allowing you to pick and choose which plugins and addons are permitted to load and run. It also features the popup blocker which so far is already better than Google and MSN toolbars' versions. Also, SP2 will NOT feature a Download Manager... as it was pointed out below by another user, I believe that is a Longhorn feature unless they plan to implement it in the May RC2 beta.
2) Security Center does NOT manage ActiveX or DirectX controls... although I suppose that may change in the May RC2 beta.
3) Finally, calling the firewall comprehensive is a stretch too... it works great for protecting against INBOUND threats, but once it's on the system, nothing stops apps from going OUTBOUND... for that, users should continue to rely on ZoneAlarm and other firewalls which can complement the Windows Firewall. This will not change, because from what I understand MS is not planning on replacing a need for 3rd party vendors.
Aaron
Score: 0
|RC1 is buggy!
I hope RC2 will have allot fixes because after RC2 it will go final...so rumored
Score: 0
|How many times have you seen that Windows Security Center cuasing system slow down on boot up? Numerous times for me.
How many times have you seen that WSC doesn't recognize your Antivirus and Firewall? Countless times.
That piece of software is dragging system performance down as far as I can tell.
Other than that, I would wish they modify the GUI, so that users won't mistakenly click Install patches during shut down.
Score: 0
|dude, it's not rtm, it's just rc. so don't worry. and if you don't like you can turn off security center for sure.
Score: 0
|So far, RC1 is a no-go for my systems .. tested on three:
1) One system had McAfee VS 7.1 ... This is a known issue (hope it gets resolved)
2) One system came to a creeping halt ... Backed out fine
3) Last system .. Multiple system crashes and problems once installed, tried to back out .. Eventually had to REPLACE (not repair) OS with XP SP1 version ... (Repair would not work :( ) ...
I would have to warn against the RC1 .. wait for RC2 and see what people are saying then!
Score: 0
|