125MB
Applies
to:
Windows XP (English)
Requirements
Windows XP Home or Professional (32 bit)
Author/Supplier
Microsoft
Description
The Windows XP Service Pack 1 (XP SP1) fixes a range of bugs in Windows
XP. The file xpsp1_en_x86.exe, is a large download (133MB) and can be
applied to any version of Windows XP Home or Professional (32 bit version
only). To download the complete 133MB SP1 for all versions of Windows XP,
click the download link at the top of this page.
Note: you do not need this download if you already have SP1 and would like
to keep the JVM - see below.
So what is the difference between 1 and 1a?
The original release of Windows XP did not ship with Java Virtual Machine,
but a copy of it is included in SP1. Now for the best bit: Microsoft
updated XP SP1 to version SP1a (Feb 2003) and the only change they made
was to remove the JVM again!
So, Windows XP SP1a does not include or install the Microsoft VM, which
provides support for running Java programs. If you are running Windows XP
or Windows XP SP1 with the Microsoft VM already installed, you can
continue to update the Microsoft VM by using Windows Update. If you are
running Windows XP without the Microsoft VM, you do not have to install
updates to the Microsoft VM. Therefore, these updates are not offered to
you when you visit Windows Update. Thanks to a court ruling, Microsoft is
no longer able to provide a download of the Microsoft VM for computers
that do not already have the Microsoft VM installed.
272MB
Applies
to:
Windows XP (English)
Requirements
Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Tablet PC or Media Centre (32
bit)
Author/Supplier
Microsoft
Description
The
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (XP SP2) fixes a range of bugs in Windows XP.
The file is a large download and can be applied to any version of Windows
XP Home, Professional, Tablet PC or Media Centre. It doesn't matter what
XP updates you have previously applied to your system, SP2 will update any
unpatched, partially patched or completely updated system (it includes all
previously released patches and updates). If you are going to reinstall
the original release of Windows XP on a PC, it is important that you apply
this Service Pack BEFORE connecting to the Web. Nasty viruses and worms
like Sasser and Blaster can enter an unpatched system as soon as it is
connected to the Web. They come through an open port on your system. You
don't even have to receive email or go to a web site - just being
connected is enough. XP SP2 fixes the security holes so you won't get
attacked.
The advantage of this full download is that it can be used on any system -
plus it doesn't require an Internet connection to install. You can
download SP2, burn it to CD and use it on multiple PCs.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides enhanced security measures that
will hopefully improve defences against viruses, worms and hackers, along
with increased manageability and an improved experience for users. In
addition to security and bug fixes, it will change many default settings
to improve security, but it may also create some problems:
The firewall will be turned on
Messenger will be turned off by default
Media Bar has been removed from Internet Explorer 6
New version: Windows Movie Maker 2.1
You can no longer print or print preview a Web page that includes an
ActiveX object
XP SP2 includes a new power-management option for Windows XP. You can now
use the tool Powercfg.exe to configure power-management settings from the
command line
The new Wireless Network Setup Wizard makes it easier to create a
security-enabled wireless network and add a new computer or device to an
existing wireless network
When you install SP2, Internet Explorer 6 is updated and includes a new
security setting, called Binary Behaviours. To view this setting, click
Tools, click Internet Options, click Security, and then click Custom
Level.
The Security Centre is a new feature in SP2 that tracks and reports your
computer's security settings and sends you alerts if your settings might
be putting your computer at risk.
Automatic Updates will help improve the security of your computer. By
default, after you install SP2, these updates are installed automatically
when you shut down your computer. If the 'Turn off computer' dialog box
appears, it displays a new security shield icon that gives you the option
to 'Update and Turn Off' your computer. If you choose this option, the
downloaded updates are installed, and then your computer shuts down.
14MB
Applies
to:
Windows Vista/XP/2000
Requirements
Windows Vista/XP/2000
Author/Supplier
Sun
Description
This latest release of Sun's Java Virtual Machine
(JVM) can be used to update an earlier version or install the entire JVM
for the first time. Version 6 adds support for Windows Vista. This is the
standalone package - you download a single file that can be run at any
time, used on multiple machines or new installation of Windows.
Note: The other way to install the Sun JVM requires a computer to be
connected to the Web and then use 'active download' where a smaller
downloading program updates your system. This process means you can't
backup the file you download, plus you can't use it multiple PCs. That's
why the standalone package is a better option. This complete download
should also help avoid error codes such as: 1305, 2755, 1606 and a bunch
of others that are all a result of incomplete/corrupted downloads.
Note: This release also fixes several critical security holes found in
the software. Sun advises all users to update the JVM immediately.
JVM allows you to run programs called 'applets' inside your Web browser.
Applets are mini-programs written in the Java language specifically to run
within a Web browser. Many, though not all, web browsers come with support
for applets built in. By downloading this update, you will be ensured that
you have the latest release which, most importantly, contains fewer
security holes and is generally more stable.
