A service pack is an update to a software application that provides fixes and enhancements to the product. Service packs can either be downloaded or ordered directly from the company.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 provides tools to easily view, understand, and control the security aspects of the computer. It includes changes in the operating system related to computer and network security.

Not all of the new features are listed below. For more information on Service Pack 2, refer to the Microsoft Article: Windows XP Service Pack 2

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) contains:

• Enhanced Security
• Safer E-Mail Handling
• Enhanced Browser Security
• Easier Wireless Networking

Enhanced Security

Service Pack 2 contains significant security enhancements, including the following:

• Improved Windows Firewall: active for every network connection by default, but easily configurable.
• Improved protection against computer attacks that use the remote procedure call (RPC), like the Blaster worm.
• Microsoft Security Center: a feature of Service Pack 2 that allows users to manage all aspects of their computer's security in a single window, including firewall and antivirus configuration.

For more information on the enhanced security provided by Service Pack 2, refer to the following Microsoft Article: "Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2"

Safer E-Mail Handling

Service Pack 2 contains enhancements to Microsoft Outlook Express, which automatically block e-mail attachments that are known to be dangerous. Outlook Express also blocks images contained in HTML messages, until you determine whether or not you trust the source.

Enhanced Browser Security

With Service Pack 2, Internet Explorer gets an automatic pop-up advertisement blocker. The first time you visit a web site that uses pop-up advertising, you are prompted to specify a level of pop-up blocking for the site.

Easier Wireless Networking

Service Pack 2 also includes some changes to the wireless networking interface. These changes are designed to make it easier to understand which wireless networks are available, what kind of security is configured for them, and how strong each connection is.

The easiest way to obtain SP2 is by enabling the Windows XP Automatic Update feature. For information regarding how to enable Windows XP Automatic Updates, refer to following link and perform all of the recommended steps: Protect Your PC.

1. Update and run your spyware removal software to scan and remove spyware.
   Dell recommends Ad-Aware Personal SE or PestPatrol for Home Users to remove any spyware prior to downloading and installing Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Run your spyware software and remove any unwanted spyware, then reboot your computer and run the software again. If unwanted spyware is still found, remove it and reboot your computer.

	Note:
	Some spyware could potentially cause the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2 to fail and may leave your computer inoperable until you remove Service Pack 2 or reinstall Windows XP. To learn more about spyware refer to Dell Knowledge Base Article: Spyware Information Article ID: 122224

2. Update your anti-virus software. Use the automatic update feature or visit the update web site for your anti-virus software manufacturer to ensure you have the most up-to-date software engine available.

3. Update your firewall software. Use the automatic update feature or visit the update web site for your firewall software manufacturer to ensure you have the most up-to-date software engine available.
   
   

   	Note:
   	If you are using Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee®, visit the following web sites for important update information: McAfee Update Information McAfee Dell SecurityCenter Support If you are using Symantec™ Norton Internet Security™, visit the following web site for important update information: Symantec - Windows® XP Service Pack 2 information center

4. It is recommended that you update to the newest BIOS available for your Dell computer.
   For instructions on how to obtain and install the newest BIOS for your Dell refer to Dell Knowledge Base Article: "How Can I Obtain the Latest Upgrade to My Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or System Setup File" Article ID: 273564

5. Check the Driver Updates table below for any specific drivers you may need to update before installing Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Component	Driver
Internal Bluetooth card	Network: Dell TrueMobile 300 Bluetooth Internal card
Inspiron™ 9100 or XPS with ATI Mobility Radeon 9800	Video: ATI Mobility Radeon 9800
Inspiron™ 1150	Inspiron 1150 Intel® Celeron® Processor Update

Table 1: Driver Updates
 
For information from Microsoft regarding what you should do before you install Windows XP Service Pack 2, refer to the following Microsoft link: What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2

For answers to questions you may have after you finish installing Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can refer to the following Dell Knowledge Base articles:

"The Microsoft® Windows® Security Center" Article ID: 179719.

"The Windows® Security Risk Indicator Appears" Article ID: 181195.

"Viewing E-mail Images in Outlook® Express" Article ID: 179518.

"Managing Windows Firewall Trusted Applications in Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2" Article ID: 181937.

"Security Center Alerts Appear in Microsoft® Windows® XP" Article ID: 182362.

"Managing Plug-Ins or Add-Ons in Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)" Article ID: 182960.

"How to Turn Off the Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 Firewall" Article ID: 183185.

For some answers to technical questions you may have after you've finished installing Windows XP Service Pack 2, you can refer to the following Dell Knowledge Base documents:

For more information regarding problems after installing Windows XP Service Pack 2, refer to the following Microsoft link:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center