Windows in the Enterprise: Windows XP SP2 releases -- Are you ready for it?

[Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum]

Title: Windows in the Enterprise: Best of MyITForum

August 12, 2004 Published by  TechTarget Windows in the Enterprise: Best of MyITForum Issue Sponsored By:   > Quest Software   Upgrade or Migrate? Deployment Options for Active Directory Planning a move from Windows NT to Active Directory? Do you think an in-place upgrade is your only option? This white paper discusses the pros and cons of upgrading and migrating to Active Directory and addresses concerns such as impact on users, secure access to resources, and transitioning to Exchange 2000/2003. Get your free white paper today.   Windows XP SP2 releases -- Are you ready for it? [ by Rod Trent, Editor, myITforum.com ] Getting a copy of Windows XP SP2 last week was a daunting task. It was posted first to the Windows XP beta site. There was so much traffic from folks desperately trying to download the RTM copy that it was impossible to download. Luckily, I am a MSDN subscriber, so I was able to obtain an ISO image from the MSDN subscriber download site. It was still a bit slow going, but, thankfully, MSDN manages its downloadable files with its own client to minimize interruptions and maximize bandwidth. So, here I sit with an ISO image on my computer, but I am still hesitant to go through the steps to install it on my laptop. Why? Because deployment of Windows XP SP2 is going to take a lot of planning. There are several applications on my own computer that I'm worried about compatibility issues. Some I can live without, but others are important for my computing well-being. Here's what I've planned to do -- and you may want to consider the same: I'm going to go through the applications on my computer (most likely just create a VB Script to automate the process), write them down somewhere (probably put them into an Excel spreadsheet with the VB Script), and then jump to each vendor's Web site to look for their Windows XP SP2 support statements. Once I have all the information, I can make a logical decision whether or not I should go ahead with the upgrade on my computer. Of course, you can use SMS inventory and reporting to do the same thing. If you feel like this VB Script would be useful to you, drop me a note. That usually forces me to work a little faster. But this is just the beginning. How many companies have varied computer applications companywide that the business unit relies on? And how many of those applications will break or need a patch or workaround? How many of those applications aren't scheduled for SP2 compatibility until later this year -- or not at all? You see what I'm getting at? This rollout will take some serious planning, but, in my opinion, it's completely worth it. And you have a bit of time to plan. The release schedule goes something like this (subject to change, of course): 8/6 release to manufacturing. 8/9 release to Microsoft Download Center (network installation package). 8/9 release to MSDN subscription site (CD ISO image). 8/10 release to Automatic Updates (for machines running prerelease versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2 only). 8/16 release to Automatic Updates (for machines NOT running prerelease versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2). 8/16 release to Software Update Services. Late in August release to Windows Update for interactive user installations. Also, keep an eye on the following Windows XP SP2 resources for updates: TechNet: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/winxpsp2 Consumer: http://www.microsoft.com/protect Support Center: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;windowsxpsp2 This article first appeared in myITforum, the premier online destination for IT professionals responsible for managing their corporations' Microsoft Windows systems. The centerpiece of myITforum.com is a collection of member forums where IT professionals actively exchange technical tips, share their expertise, and download utilities that help them better manage their Windows environments, specifically Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS). It is part of the TechTarget network of Web sites. To register for the site and sign up for the myITforum daily newsletter, click here ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rod Trent, manager of myITforum.com and Microsoft MVP is a leading expert on Microsoft Systems Management Server. He has more than 18 years of IT experience -- eight of which have been dedicated to SMS. He is the author of such books as Microsoft SMS Installer, Admin911:SMS, and IIS 5.0: A Beginner's Guide, and has written literally thousands of articles on technology topics. MORE INFO:  >  Windows Service Pack Deployment  >  Microsoft Whitepaper on Windows XP SP2  >  Introduction to Service Packs  >  When to Reinstall a Windows XP Service Pack Contact Us Sales For sales inquiries, please contact us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Editorial For feedback about any of our articles or to send us your article ideas, please contact us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Free E-Newsletters! Select e-newsletters you would like to receive via e-mail! SearchWin2000: Administrator Tips Not a Member? We'll activate your membership with your subscription. ABOUT THIS E-NEWSLETTER This e-newsletter is published by TechTarget, the most targeted IT media and events company. Copyright 2004 TechTarget. All rights reserved. To unsubscribe from "Windows in the Enterprise: Best of MyITForum": Go to unsubscribe: http://searchTechTarget.techtarget.com/u?track=NL-36 Please note, unsubscribe requests may take up to 24 hours to process; you may receive additional mailings during that time. 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