What Is Service Pack 2?

Service Pack 2, or SP2, is a Microsoft Windows update for Windows XP. Microsoft's website touts it as being able to protect your PC against viruses, spyware and worms, thanks to new features including a pop-up blocker, an anti-spyware tool, and a firewall. Once downloaded to your computer, it upgrades all of these security features, as well as patching known security holes that, left unpatched, can let in viscious worms like Blaster and Sasser.

Do I need Service Pack 2?

We would recommend everyone install Service Pack 2 on their computer. If you are going to use your computer on the Pomona network you must have Service Pack 2 installed.

Do I have Service Pack 2?

To check your computer for Service Pack 2, right click on the icon for My Computer, and click on "Properties" from the list. Under the tab for "General," it reads:

System:

• Operating System
• Version
• Service Pack

If it says Service Pack 2, you've got it installed. To see if your operating system can be upgraded to Service Pack 2, look below under "Tech Stuff."

How Do I Get Service Pack 2?

Get Service Pack 2 here

IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO CLEAN YOUR COMPUTER OF SPYWARE BEFORE INSTALLATION

SP2 is a major update, so installation will take a while--on average, allow one to two hours for installation

Will It Mess Up My Computer?

Among other things, Service Pack 2 enables the built-in firewall automatically, which can sometimes cause problems. Other computers will slow down once SP2 is installed. If you see any detrimental effects from the installation of SP2, call the helpdesk at x18062, and a consultant can help get your computer back up to speed.

Tech Stuff

To run SP2, your computer needs to have:

• 233 megahertz (MHz) processor
• 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM
• 1.8 GB of available hard disk space during installation

SP2 can be installed on machines running:

• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004.
• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

If your computer does not meet these requirements, a consultant can help you get SP2 if you call the helpdesk at x18062