From Strait Times Webby:-
Microsoft urges spyware check before SP2
SEATTLE - Though Microsoft's new security update package is all
about protecting systems from worms, viruses and spyware, it can't
do much about what's already on computers - and that could pose a
problem.
The company is warning users of the Windows XP operating system to
check for spyware before downloading the free massive security
update, called Service Pack 2.
Mr Barry Goff, a group product manager at Microsoft, said some
spyware could cause computers to freeze up upon installation of the
update.
Spyware, which typically piggybacks with downloaded software such
as file-sharing programs, tracks behaviour, triggers pop-up ads and
can otherwise cause problems on computers.
Programs such as Ad-Aware and SpySweeper can scour computers for
spyware. Microsoft recommends that users clean their PCs of spyware
and back up their data before turning on the auto update feature
that automatically downloads Service Pack 2, or SP2.
People who download SP2 also may need to check whether legitimate
programs, such as third-party security software, need to be
updated. SP2 makes major changes, including adding a Windows
Firewall to better guard computers against attack, and those
changes can also cause compatibility issues with other software. --
AP
