Windows Service Pack 2 (SP2) is now in full circulation.  It was released in a very controlled manner by Microsoft, commencing in mid August, and is now being propagated via the Microsoft Windows Update facility. 

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is a major update to the popular operating system and significantly increases the security of the computer on which it is installed.  A full description of SP2, what it provides and almost any other question you might have can be found here:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];windowsxpsp2

Unfortunately, the download of SP2 is a massive 75Mb+ in size (the actual size will depend on how up to date your copy of Windows XP is and how it is configured), and could be as much as 120Mb, so unless you have a fast broadband connection to the Internet, then the automatic download method of obtaining SP2 will be a lengthy process.  Alternatively, you can obtain a copy on CD by going here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

However, be prepared for a 4-6 week delivery time-frame.

Some of our clients have reported facing a variety of problems when installing SP2, some minor and some more serious.  On the positive side, Microsoft has assigned significant resources to addressing any problems.  You can, of course, pay for support from Microsoft, but our experiences have shown that online support from Microsoft (by e-mail) is not only free, but very responsive.  You should therefore consider this option if you are facing difficulties with installing SP2 (or indeed have any other problems with Microsoft products).  To obtain on-line support for installation of SP2, go to this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-GB;cntactms&product=windowsxpsp2&prname=Windows%20XP%20Service%20Pack%202%20%28SP2%29

This upgrade to Windows XP is important – witness the amount of publicity that Microsoft have applied to its development and release.  So, if you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to call Alan Finch at 01224 697457 as soon as possible.