[Eagle9]

After the Oct. 10 security updates, Microsoft will no longer distribute fixes to Windows XP SP1 users, including any meant to patch IE 6 SP1, the browser edition included with the pack. In addition, Windows XP SP1 users will not be able to update to the more secure IE 7 when that releases in final form later this year.

If you use WinXP SP1, time is running out.

Regardless, I still use Firefox and Opera.

[Echo Talon]

IF you use SP1 you need to slipstream Service pack2 onto your windows cd. have fun

[weegee]

Any place I can get a CD of that?

The CDs to redash my system with the factory software (which is what I do when I put in a new drive after a crash) don't give me SP2.

If I won't be able to download in the future, I'm screwed.

[Frank_2001]

Oh, please! Quit worrying about this nonsense, and buy a Mac!;)

[Ben Ficklin]

What about 98?

[Trampled by Lambs]

I don't understand the problem. I'm a Firefox user but use IE when I need to go to the MS update site. I didn't even think it worked at all with Firefox?

[US Navy guy]

OK I have a question for ALL of you computer guys out there, What do I have to do to to upgrade fron Windows ME to Windows XP or higher? AND what precautions should I take prior to the upgrade?

[mtbopfuyn]

Computer illiteral here. How do I know if I'm currently running SP1 or SP2?

[Faith65]

What if my computer won't download the SP2. I tried doing this months ago, several times and when I search for the reason why, the explanation is that my computer is blocking any new updates. I finally gave up and just use my laptop. The XP is from 2002 version and is on my desktop.

[unspun]

SP2 doesn't even install on my appropriately prepared old HP Pavilion zt1185.

[ShadowAce]

[SeafoodGumbo]

When I got back to New Orleans after the hurricane, I could no longer find my book of instal c.d.'s. After a few months, Windows got buggy and wouldn't connect me to the Internet. Afriend turned me onto Ubuntu, a version of Linux. I can use the c.d. to load the OS and test-drive it without making the full commitment to leave Windows.

I've got to tell ya, I think I'm ready to make the switch - wipe Windows and load Ubuntu onto the disk - as I can't see paying another $130 or whatever it is for a new version of Windows when I can get something just as good for free. Ubuntu has Firefox and I still need to poke around it some more, but it doesn't seem to be missing anything Windows offers unless you are big into video games which I'm not.

In the same way that I ditched IE a couple years ago, it seems that it's time to ditch Windows (still keeping it on the laptop for the time being) on my desktop for an OS that's at least as good, but also FREE.

[Popocatapetl]

I see only two reasons to have any version of Windows made after Win98SE.

Either you want a hard drive larger than 120GB, or you deal in file sizes larger than 4GB.

Otherwise, adding up the plusses and minuses, it just isn't worth it. When Win98SE no longer functions, it is time to move to Linux.

Microsoft has given up on any pretense of an operating system based on the needs and wants of users. MS now only cares about supporting corporations and organizations who are essentially *fighting* the users of Windows.

[ADSUM]

I have SP2 on my computer, but have gotten a message recently that XP is not genuine and I need to pay MS $ 150.
I have a green sticker that was supposed to indicate that Xp was real and paid for. The guy that built my computer is ill and closed down his business. Any suggestions? Thanks.