XP SP2 tidbits

[Statica]

Of course we've heard about a gazillion different little things that will make Microsoft's latest offering unworthy of computers; about how there could be incompatibilities etc. (most of which I scoff because its true of every new software version or patch). But how about how seriously well designed this thing really is? There are too many features, enhancements to come up with a list but I'll just list out little nuggets that I found interesting.

Microsoft not only doesnt insist on bundling up its version of antivirus software, but it recognizes your own running version. For example, I have Trend Internet Security Suite running; which gives me the thumbs up from SP2 as having adequate protection. How effective is the thumbs up? Most antivirus s/w will restart themselves or their scan engine when installing in a pattern or program update? In that brief 3-4 second interval while my Trend AV was shutdown and before restart, XP had a notification for me on my systray telling me that my antivirus had gone off!

There really are a lot of nice little things that make SP2 more like an XP SE rather than a patch.

[RayH]

Good third party software should be better than OEM. But for Windows, this is a remarkable improvement to have something decent going.

Little noticed, the "Turn on Messenger" in OE is no longer there with SP2.

I like the Automatic Update, "Notify, but don't download" setting. I like to be notified. But I don't like automatic anyting!