New SP2 Security Tools
As mentioned, the main thrust of SP2 is security, and several new Security Tools are included to create a more secure computing environment. They are presented in Table 1-2.
Security Tool | Function |
---|---|
Windows Security Center | This is the first window that opens when rebooting XP after installing SP2. It lets you view the security status of your system and change general security settings, as shown in Figure 1-2. |
Windows Firewall update | The Firewall tool has been available since the release of XP, but it has now been enhanced. The new Firewall helps protect against worms, viruses, and other Internet-borne ills. |
Windows Firewall simple compatibility setup | Unfortunately, not every application works well with the new Firewall settings. To allow certain applications to pass data through the Firewall, use the simple compatibility setup. |
Windows Firewall startup | As the name suggests, this allows firewall protection at both and shutdown support startup and shutdown time. |
Automatic Updates | This is another improvement to an existing feature. It helps your enhancements XP machine automatically stay current with the latest fixes and patches. It also includes enhanced features to optimize download effectiveness over dial-up connections. |
Figure 1-2. The new Windows Security Center.
