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As I communicated to you in my
message last week, Microsoft is now releasing a major,
comprehensive update to its Windows XP operating system. If
your computer is not running Windows XP, you can safely
ignore the rest of this message.
The update, called Service
Pack 2 (SP2), is designed to patch and repair numerous gaps
in Windows XP. It includes safeguards against viruses and
spyware, and also includes a hardened Internet firewall to
keep out hackers.
After weeks of testing by
Computer Services, we have found that in most cases people
have not experienced any difficulties; however, in some
cases, some operational issues were noted. Consequently,
there is no ideal solution at this time. If you do not
install SP2, you will not be as protected as Microsoft
recommends; on the other hand, if you install SP2, some
operational issues may develop.
For example, one of the
consistent issues we have discovered in our testing is that
the default setting of SP2 configures the Windows XP
firewall in such a way that new virus definitions coming
from our antivirus servers are blocked, and cannot get to
your computer. This will leave your computer vulnerable to
virus attacks in the future. To respond to this consequence,
Symantec requires that you configure the Windows XP firewall
to allow access from your computer to Symantec's antivirus
update servers.
With this in mind, here are
our recommendations for Windows XP users connected to the
Temple Network. These recommendations do NOT apply to
home users, as the Symantec antivirus home version is not
affected by this issue:
1. Before you do
anything else, consider backing up your important files as a
precaution.
2. You must configure
your firewall to allow communications with Symantec's
antivirus servers. This should be done as soon as possible.
You can configure your
firewall manually, but the steps involved are many and
complex. To facilitate this, Computer Services has developed
an easy-to-use, one-step utility that will properly
configure your computer.
If you are using any version
of Windows XP, you should run this utility now in order to
keep your antivirus definitions current. For instructions on
downloading and running this utility, go to:
http://antivirus.temple.edu/enhance.asp
3. Depending on your
computer's current configuration, there are two possible
scenarios:
a. If your computer
is configured to receive and install Windows updates
automatically, SP2 will be installed on your computer
without any further action from you. You should let this
update install automatically. Because the update file is
very large, Microsoft will randomly select which computers
are to receive the download. Your computer will receive
SP2 at some point over the next few months, but it could
occur as early as today.
b. If your computer
notifies you of available updates, but does not install
them automatically, or your computer is not configured to
receive Windows updates automatically, we recommend that
you do not install SP2 at this time. Please wait for a few
weeks for Computer Services to forward directions on how
and when to install this update.
Not only is SP2 a major
change to your operating system, Microsoft has scheduled it
at our busiest time of the year. Except for those users who
already have automatic windows update, waiting for a few
weeks before attempting to install SP2 will enable Computer
Services to assist you in a more timely and efficient manner
should you encounter any difficulties.
If you have questions, at
any time, please contact the Help Desk during business hours
at 215-204-8000 or send e-mail to help@temple.edu.
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