In this issue:

• Microsoft Releases SP2 for Windows Server 2003
• Recommended Book: Windows Vista Inside Out
• Keep your Computer free from Viruses, Trojans, Spyware and other Malware
• Recent Support BBS Postings
• Administrivia

Microsoft Releases SP2 for Windows Server 2003

by Arie Slob

Hello Windows users,

Early last week, Microsoft released Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Server 2003. This service pack can be applied to a wide range of Windows Server 2003 products, including all versions of Windows Server 2003, all versions of Windows Server 2003 Release 2 (R2), Windows Storage Server 2003 R2, Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems, and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

In addition to bug fixes and security updates, SP2 includes Windows Deployment Services for rolling out Windows Vista. In fact, WDS will be required to support the deployment of Windows Vista and Windows Server code-name "Longhorn." Also included in SP2 are improved networking features from the Windows Server 2003 Scalable Networking Pack, improved IPsec management tools, and Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) for increased wireless security. Like other service packs, SP2 is cumulative, so it includes all the features and updates from Windows Server 2003 SP1.

SP2 should be easier to deploy then SP1 however. SP1 was a major release which addressed known vulnerabilities to Windows Server 2003 by tightening the authorization needed for some services and disabling others all together. In some cases these security enhancements resulted in unexpected behavior from applications.

Localized versions are available for Windows 2003 and x64: German, French, Korean, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Spanish, Italian, Russian and, Portuguese (Brazilian). Windows XP Professional x64 Edition will continue to be supported in only English and Japanese.

If you wonder why a Service Pack for Windows Server 2003 would support Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, note that both Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and the Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions where introduced with the release of Windows Server 2003 SP1, all sharing a common codebase. It is this common codebase that allows SP2 to provide updates to all versions of Windows Server 2003 and the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

• Release Notes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Details, Documentation & Download links

Recommended Book: Windows Vista Inside Out

List: $49.99 Our Price: $32.99 You Save: $17.00 Paperback, 1132 pages Published: Jan. 18, 2007 Written by the authors of the immensely popular Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, this book packs hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds for using the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating systemall in concise, fast-answer format. Details how to configure and customize your desktop and how to use security-enhanced features -Includes a companion CD with tools, eBooks, and more. About the Authors Ed Bott is an award-winning journalist and one of the most recognized voices in the computing world. He's been working with and writing about Windows for more than 15 years. Carl Siechert has coauthored several Windows-related books, including Microsoft Windows Security and Networking Inside Out with Ed Bott. Craig Stinson is contributing editor for PC Magazine. He has written or coauthored more than 15 books, including Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Expert Companion. To Order: USA (USD 32.99) | EU (GBP 22.43)