The software upgrade called Service Pack 2, makes additions to Windows XP designed to fortify the operating system against a range of worms, viruses, scams and other threats.
SP2, weighing in at 265 megabytes, adds protection in three central areas — by turning on firewall software and other security features such as a pop-up ad blocker previously turned off by default; by adding controls for protecting against online assaults; and by adding windows and instructions that Microsoft says will make it easier for computer users to manage security features.
The new features could give big headaches to online adult companies that rely on pop-up advertisements and the like to reach target audiences.
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft said SP2 also turns on a feature in Windows XP that enables the operating system to automatically seek and receive security patches from Microsoft's website. It offers a single window in which users can more easily monitor the security of their PCs.
Microsoft expects SP2 to create a security push like no other upgrade. In preparing SP2, Microsoft worked with a broad range of antivirus and security software makers, including Symantec Corp., Trend Micro and McAfee Inc.
But SP2 could interfere with specialized programs critical to business. Potential problems range from the new firewall blocking connections to the updated Internet Explorer not allowing helper programs to run without permission.
Microsoft warned developers and customers that XP2 might be incompatible with a number of third-party applications. More recently, Microsoft added admonitions about its own Microsoft Business Solutions CRM versions 1.0 and 1.2 and offered a patch for the applications.
SP2 offers other improvements as well, such as an updated Windows Media Player, better support for short-range wireless standard Bluetooth, and it simplifies setting up wireless Internet connections.