Microsoft comes through with Windows Service Pack 2

After some last-minute waxing and buffing, Microsoft finally sent its Windows XP Service Pack 2 to manufacturing early Friday. The product is expected to be available shortly through the Windows Updates feature in Windows XP, company officials said.

The Service Pack 2, which was originally scheduled to appear in the first half of this year, contains several security enhancements crucial to shoring up the beleaguered operating system from a variety of different viruses and a growing legion of hackers.

The security improvements center on three areas, according to company officials. The first is more solid default security settings along with new features and tools to help corporate uses fend off hackers, resulting in safer Web browsing and communications. The second area focuses on better manageability and control, making it easier to configure and manage security resources along with new security tools and the new Windows Security Center. The third area highlights improved and secure experiences, including updates for drivers, and better support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth especially in the area of security.

The job of the Windows Security Center is to monitor the status of Internet firewalls, Automatic Updates services, and anti-virus software, according to the company. It makes it easier for administrators to see quickly if these security capabilities are turned on and up-to-date. Microsoft officials said on Friday they will work cooperatively with application developers to refine "user experience" around the Security Center.

Symantec will support Microsoft's efforts to raise security awareness among Windows users with this new release, according to Stephen Cullen, a senior vice president of security products and solutions at Symantec. Cullen said he expects no difficulties with Symantec's existing line of products in working with Service Pack 2.

Besides downloading it, users can also obtain Service Pack 2 on a CD through Microsoft's Web site. Microsoft is also working with desktop hardware suppliers to ensure their Windows XP-based systems are pre-loaded with the product, a company spokesman said.

User can go http://www.microsoft.com/protect/  to turn on Automatic Updates to ensure they will receive Service Pack 2 as it becomes available.