Re: Best free anti-virus program for 2002 XP Home? « Reply #11 on: May 13, 2009, 08:05:32 PM » AVG only runs on Windows 2000 SP4 + Update Rollup 1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP Pro x64 Edition SP1 and Windows Vista/Vista x64 Edition or higher. As new threats for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 emerge, Symantec immediately builds new protection updates and makes them available for download on a subscription basis. Norton AntiVirus / Norton Internet Security 2008/2009/2010/2011/2012 for 64-bit OS only; Norton 360 (later than 6.0, up to version 22.6.x.x) for 64.

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Screenshots of Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Editor's Review

Windows XP is without a doubt one of Microsoft's most iconic operating systems. Released globally in October 2001, it quickly became a success, selling over 400 million copies by January 2006. Its popularity stood the test of the introduction of Windows Vista in early 2007, as it was considered more user friendly and had a higher level of development compatibility than its successor.
The release of Service Pack 2 full version (SP2) in August 2004 provided a number of critical security patches and updates – as well as new functionality, setting itself apart from 2002's Service Pack 1 (SP1) update. All basic updates included in SP1 were rolled into SP2's release, giving comprehensive protection against a range of viruses and other security threats.
A new Security Center dashboard, was one of the flagship changes. The facility launched itself automatically to warn of weaknesses in the system (i.e. firewall, anti virus or automatic updating being restricted or turned off). This gave more control for the user and allowed greater management of these critical features. In a related move, Windows Firewall was automatically turned on as its default setting.
Internet Explorer was given added security, for the first time introducing a function that stopped pop-ups and drive-by downloads. In addition to the security-focused alterations, SP2 introduced a number of multimedia updates – including the Windows Media Player 9.
All the above is pretty good stuff – but there were major compatibility issues with existing software on SP2's release. Also, the Internet Explorer updates conflicted with websites using certain scripts (such as Active X controls). There were also questions as to why features such as Trojan scanning and anti-virus were not included.
Pro's: better security interface through new Security Center; improved Windows Firewall configuration; added Internet Explorer protection and better multimedia software
Con's: compatibility issues across exisiting software and Internet Explorer; no comprehensive anti-virus or Trojan threat scanning.
Conclusion: Windows XP Service Pack 2 introduced some much-needed updates and changes, shoring up millions of PC users' security from the rapidly growing range of threats.
However, the wide-reaching changes were jarring for some and led many users to forgo the essential updates that were packaged with the front-end changes. Despite its issues, SP2 still remains one of the most important stages in XP's lifespan, which is winding to a close following the end of mainstream XP support in 2009. Download xp sp2 and install it to take full advantage of its features.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Publisher's Description

About once a year, Microsoft releases an update to Windows XP. These updates contain all the fixes and enhancements which have been made available in the previous year. The updates (called Service Packs) provide convenient, all-in-one access to the most up-to-date drivers, tools, security updates, patches, and customer-requested product changes.
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Best Free Antivirus Windows Vista

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Microsoft Security Essentials is the long-awaited free antivirus software program released by Microsoft. Having a PC without an antivirus program is just asking for trouble, even if a computer is not connected to the internet, there are many ways viruses and other nasties can make it on to you system – via infected USB keys, external drives, DVDs and CDs. While we think a free antivirus program is a great initiative from Microsoft, we can’t help feel that something like this should have been released over a decade ago. In addition, given the litany of security holes in existing Microsoft’s operating systems and other programs that have allowed viruses to spread in the first place, it causes some scepticism that this is the best antivirus program to use.

While it is better to have some protection rather than none, it will be in the real world where Microsoft Security Essentials will face its ultimate test – also keep an look out for security companies running tests using their extensive virus libraries and knowledge.

One quibble with the program is the name - it suggests a comprehensive security package - it's not. For example there is no integrated firewall. Microsoft Security Essentials is an antivirus program and there are good long-standing free alternatives such an Avast Home Edition and AVG Free edition. However, Microsoft has tried to make its antivirus software as hassle-free as possible. Initially that does seem to be the case, but only time will tell if it is as low-maintenance as the company's hype suggests. Some things we like about the program are that you don't have to register, renew licenses, update subscriptions or go through any of the pain that companies such as Symantec make you do every year. All you need is a legitimate copy of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.

• Note: We do not believe it is wise to install and run more than one antivirus software on a computer (nor does Microsoft or any major antivirus developer). If you do decide to download Microsoft Security Essentials, consider disabling or uninstalling your other antivirus software if it is present (plus make a comprehensive system backup beforehand).
• This is the complete Microsoft Security Essentials installation program and it will download from Microsoft's servers - however you will still need to update Microsoft Security Essentials for crucial signature file and program updates (this can be easily done automatically). However if you choose the manual option, we were a little surprised to see that the program itself is only around 9MB to download but manually downloading the signature/update file will take another 40+MB. You can get a copy of the signature file here.