Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows Firewall Update
Updates and automatically turns on the powerful, built-in Windows Firewall (previously Internet Connection Firewall) to increase the security

of your PC and reduce the risk of network and internet-based attacks.

Windows Security Center
The new Windows Security Center makes it easy to check security status and manage security resources by providing a single,

unified view of key settings and tools.

Windows Messenger Update
Updates Windows Messenger with additional security features designed to help protect users’ privacy online.

Outlook® Express Anti-Spam Update
Provides enhanced default security for a users’ e-mail by helping to prevent validation of an e-mail address by potential spammers.

Bluetooth® Update
Enables users to more easily benefit from the latest Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices such as keyboards, mice, cell phones and PDAs.

Windows Media® 9 Series Update
Helps users more securely enjoy music, video and broadband content by installing the new Windows Media® Player.

Microsoft DirectX® 9.0b
Ensures that users get DirectX 9.0b, the latest, most stable version of Microsoft’s gaming and graphics technology.

Data Execution Prevention
Service Pack 2 reduces the risk of buffer overrun vulnerabilities by helping prevent certain types of malicious code from attacking

and overwhelming a computer’s electronic memory.

New Wireless LAN Client
Service Pack 2 provides hotspots by providing a widely recognized LAN client.

Wireless Setup
Service Pack 2 includes new technology and a setup wizard that simplifies the deployment of secure wireless network connections and the

installation of network-connected devices.

Automatic Update (AU) enhancements
Makes Automatic Updates simpler and easier to use with an improved dialogue box and new technology that helps narrow band

customers download more efficiently.

Video Driver Update
Provides a new USB video driver with standard hardware specification that reduces the need for ISVs to develop kernel-mode video device drivers.

Service Pack 2 establishes strong default protection against viruses that spread through Outlook® Express, Windows Messenger, and Internet Explorer

by isolating attachments during the opening process to help identify potentially unsafe ones.

Remote Assistance Update
Provides better logging capabilities for Remote Assistance sessions by allowing for easy tracking of start/stop time of session,

IP address/user name, and record of activities performed.

Service Changes to Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
New security settings and registry key designed to ensure proper authentication and to protect users from potential exploits by limiting

the RPC surface area that is exposed.

Internet Explorer Information Bar
Service Pack 2 provides better control over Internet Explorer downloads by installing a new toolbar that alerts end users to unsigned

controls and downloads that could pose security risks.

Internet Explorer Pop-Up Blocker
Service Pack 2 installs a new, integrated Pop-Up Blocker for Internet Explorer that helps users take control and reduce unwanted ads and content.

Internet Explorer Download Monitoring
Service Pack 2 updates the Authenticode download dialog to provide better, more meaningful information about where code comes from and who

 wrote it to assist users in making informed decisions about whether or not to download and run code.

Internet Explorer Security Improvements
Service Pack 2 installs code-level changes in Internet Explorer that help protect against certain types of exploits. For example, it restricts script-initiated

windows that can be used to hide or move Internet Explorer controls and conceal malicious activity.

Internet Explorer Stronger Default Security Settings
Service Pack 2 detracts from hackers’ abilities to attack a PC by restricting HTML in the local machine zone from running with elevated system privileges.