Safe Computing and Windows XP SP2
The beginning of the school year means a rush of activity for MSU students, faculty, and staff. Even though we’re all busy in so many ways, it’s important for new and returning members of the MSU community to practice safe computing.
One year ago universities wrestled with “worms” such as Blaster and Welchia that invaded Windows computers. In response, Microsoft has released Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) almost exactly a year later. SP2 is a mixed blessing for universities: the upgrade makes many vitally needed security improvements, but it arrives as students, faculty and staff are setting up new computers in residence halls and offices.
Because Microsoft has made SP2 a “Critical Update,” Windows users began seeing SP2 as an upgrade option on August 25, 2004. Those users with Automatic Update enabled will have SP2 installed automatically.
SP2 is a large download – 100 megabytes or more – which will take considerable time for dial-up users. (The upgrade can take an hour even for users connected to a broadband network.) Users can order a free copy of the update on CD from Microsoft.com; also, Microsoft has provided MSU with a limited number of copies of SP2 for campus distribution. Please visit the ACNS Help Desk, room 210 Computer Center.
SP2 also causes problems with software from a number of vendors (including some Microsoft products). See Microsoft’s list of known SP software incompatibilites at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2
SP2 introduces a new “Security Center” which monitors whether the computer is protected by anti-virus software, as well as enabling the Internet Firewall. The Security Center may falsely report that computers running earlier versions of anti-virus software are unprotected. Check the Web site of your anti-virus vendor for details before upgrading to SP2. Many computers at MSU are protected by Norton AntiVirus (http://www.symantec.com) or McAfee Virusscan (http://www.mcafee.com).
In the long run, SP2 will make computing for Windows users much safer. After verifying that the software you rely on works under SP2 – or can be patched to work – under SP2, you should strongly consider taking the plunge. Your Windows computer will be far safer from attack.
Upgrading to SP2 isn’t sufficient to achieve safe computing. You should also:
- Turn on Automatic Updates so that you get new patches as soon as Microsoft issues them.
- Acquire and use anti-virus software – and keep the virus definitions up-to-date. MSU students can acquire Symantec Norton AntiVirus from the MSU Computer Store (305 Computer Center) for $15 for a license that runs through June 2007. MSU departments can also acquire the Symantec product at steep discounts off retail price; see http://cstore.msu.edu.
- Use a personal firewall to protect your computer from attack. Today it’s common to leave a computer plugged into the network and turned on – and as such your computer becomes a target. (Windows XP has a built-in firewall, which SP2 turns on by default).
For more information on safe computing, see http://computing.msu.edu and click on the Students or Faculty/Staff tab.
