Security and Patching

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is a huge step toward securing the Windows environment. It provides protection against viruses, hackers, and worms through the release of new features, including Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Microsoft Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.

Get information about the security technologies included in Windows XP SP2 and learn how you can implement them across your network.

Explore the new features of Windows XP SP2 and find out what makes it a worthwhile update.

Get information on planning, testing, installing, application compatibility, and configuring your network.

Get details on managing Windows Firewall, controlling users’ access to the Internet, and using Group Policy.

This is the list of Microsoft Security Bulletins that are included in Service Pack 2

This document provides detailed information about the network protection technologies included in Windows XP SP2.

This guide, updated for Windows XP Service Pack 2, is intended for consultants, security specialists, systems architects, and IT professionals who are responsible for planning application or infrastructure development and deploying Windows XP.

This guide has been updated to identify and explain features of Windows XP Service Pack 2 that make it more difficult for malware to attack a Windows XP-based computer.

Check this page for information about how to assess your environment, identify new patches, evaluate, plan, deploy, and report.

The Cable Guy column for February 2004 describes how to configure the new Windows Firewall component using the Windows Firewall Control Panel applet.

This document provides detailed information about the technologies included in Windows XP Service Pack 2 that can help make Web browsing safer.

SUS makes it easy for IT administrators to deploy SP2 to systems across their networks.

SMS can help you streamline and control the deployment of Windows XP SP2 on your network.

Group Policy allows you to centrally manage deployment of SP2 on your Active Directory network.