Windows XP Service Pack 2

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Windows XP Service Pack 2

• Curtis McDonald
• Information Technologies and Services Division

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Windows XP SP2

• Features of SP2
• Issues with SP2
• Installation Options

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New Features - Internet Explorer

• Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker
• Download Monitoring - Alerts
• Information Bar - Security Alerts
• Add on Manager
• e.g. Google search bar
• Enable, disable and update
• Attachment Manger - Virus Reduction

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New Features - Security

• Windows Security Center
• Windows Firewall - works in two stages
• Bootup stage allows for DNS, DHCP and domain
  controller access. This is not configurable.
• Firewall Service begins after bootup. Allows for
  configuration.

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New Features - Security

• Windows Security Center (cont.)
• Automatic Updates Enhancements
• Resuming downloads
• Virus Software detection
• Detects 3rd Party anti-virus software

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New Features - other

• Improved Wireless Support
• Enhanced Bluetooth connections
• Windows Media Player 9
• Update to DirectX

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SP2 Issues Firewall

• Blocking Corporate Applications
• Non simplistic process for users to allow
  applications
• Can be managed via Active Directory
  Infrastructure - not viable for LBNL
• Microsoft issued option for Corporations to block
  SP2 deployment.
• Implemented for Active Directory and Novell users
• ITSD decided to turn off the default firewall and
  use

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Symantec Client Security

• Symantec Firewall and Anti-Virus
• Available for Windows 2000 XP clients
• Allows for central configuration management and
  reporting without a central Active Directory
  Infrastructure
• Distributed Management Model
• Additional Features including Trojans Spyware

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SP2 Installation Issues

• Many issues with installation
• Incompatible software applications
• Incomplete installs from Automatic Update
• System not bootable due to driver issues
• Errors when Spyware resides on system

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SP2 Post Installation Issues

• Many Help Desk calls related to firewall blocking
  applications
• Many ISS applications would not work
• Novell file access was blocked
• Web based applications requiring plug-ins were
  blocked

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Installation options

• ITSD recommends installing the service pack from
  http//www.lbl.gov/download
• If you already installed from Microsoft go to
  http//www.lbl.gov/download to obtain Symantec
  Client Security

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Questions?