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| Upgrade to Service Pack 2 if Running Windows XP SUMMARY: Windows XP Service Pack 2 can help protect your machine from getting hit with certain types of spyware.
If you are running Windows XP and have been hesitant on upgrading it to Service Pack 2, here's a good reason why you should consider upgrading. Windows XP Service Pack 2 may help protect your computer from certain types of spyware.
1. Windows XP Service Pack 2 blocks access to ActiveX controls from many web sites when running Internet Explorer 6. This means that some browser exploits that spyware and adware use to install on your system are bypassed. You can always turn ActiveX controls on for trusted website on a domain-by-domain basis.
2. Windows XP Service Pack 2 blocks most popup windows when running Internet Explorer 6. While most popup windows are merely advertisements, some popup windows may launch spyware and adware installers. You can always turn on popup windows for trusted sites later.
3. Windows XP Service Pack 2 contains an updated firewall that is turned on by default. This can help prevent your machine from getting infected by spyware and adware that rely upon open ports and some other networking-related operating system exploits. You're still free to use other software and hardware firewalls instead, however, as other third-party firewalls may offer better protection.
4. Windows XP Service Pack 2 contains all of the cumulative updates in the previous service pack and more. Thus, if you have not recently updated your system, Service Pack 2 may contain other fixes of operating system and browser vulnerabilities that some spyware and adware pray upon to infiltrate your system.
5. Windows XP Service Pack 2 highly encourages you to turn Automatic Update on, and even shows you how to do so. By automatically downloading and/or installing new operating system and browser patches, you help lessen the chances that known operating system exploits can be used by spyware and adware.
MalekTips has more information if you are interested in downloading and installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. Note that after upgrading, you should still run spyware scanners and antivirus scanners and keep them updated. Upgrading to Service Pack 2 will in some ways help protect your Windows XP machine, but without these other software packages and constant vigilance when it comes to keeping them updated, your machine could still get infected.
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