Service Pack 2, Updates v Norton ?

[Mags]

Hello,

I have someone on my Messenger list, whose PC is constantly on and on broadband .. who has chosen never to install Service Pack 2 onto XP and therefore none of the later security updates will install either.

She has Norton set on High ..

I wonder how safe you think this would be?

I sometimes feel that SP2 is a bit of an elephant, which appears to do not a lot that I need (or maybe it's doing it and I don't realise it!)

Well ... ?

ps. I have until Tuesday (if all goes to plan) when Ellie and I reformat my Pc, to ponder on this

[Ferrit]

SP2 is definelty neccesary to be sure of all of the security issues it deals with.
Whether it 10 megs,100 megs or 500 megs. I wouldnt go without it

[NooNoo]

Mags at the end of the day the only "safe" pc is one that is not running. If you are worried for this person, it's a bit like asking people to cross the road at a defined crossing - some people will, others believe its quicker not to. Their choice. As long as you are protected as best you can, that's all you can do.

[confus-ed]

..She has Norton set on High ..

I wonder how safe you think this would be?..

I think maybe this question, isn't as it might appear, is mags not asking about this ? Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2) - norton av was on that list, but the latest version is 'fixed', however it might present problems if we reformat & try to set up from scratch again using original disks ..

But yup, sp2 is 'required' if you intend to ever connect that to any other system which has 'outside' access, or to use programs which might rely on additional features found in a post sp2 machine..

[Mags]

Thanks for your replies.

I'm not concerned for the person, as she on the advice of her son, will never install SP2, but does download new drivers,etc from Windows update, but not the security fixes of course.

I was just trying to get out of having to do all the Windows Updates on Dial Up .. but deep inside, I'm not convinced that she is taking the safest route.

I'll just have to grin and bear it and do something else while the Updates are installing.

Thanks again.