xp sp2

[jean88]

what does xp sp2 acturally do? Does it provide protection for internet use?

[OBonio]

SP2 stands for Service Pack 2.

Microsoft release service packs to fix bugs and add extra bits to their operating systems (eg, Service Pack 3 for Windows 2000 introduced the automatic updates).

It cumulatively installs all the bug fixes, patches and extra bits up until the release of the service pack, so you don't need to download and install updates prior to that date (though there will probably be new updates out soon after the release).

So yes, it does provide protection for internet use in the form of a popup blocker, firewall (XP had this anyway but SP2 turns it ON by default) and other fixes to underlying security issues which could allow hackers access to your PC or the proliferation of worms and viruses.

Other bits of software are still essential though, like a virus scanner (AVG is a good free one), anti spyware (SpyBot, AdAware) and even another firewall (ZoneAlarm) which replaces the one in XP.