End of summer Odds and Ends...
What is Windows XP SP2 (service pack 2) and should I load it?
SP2 is a rather large "patch" that Microsoft has just released. It includes many security enhancements. I would definitely NOT recommend loading it at this time. There are apparently many software incompatibilities in it, even with some of Microsoft's own product. Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition has some "issues" with it, and it is very likely some specialized applications will have problems also. As is typical with large updates, there are likely to be additional bugs besides the known issues.
Watch what you buy...
I saw a Dell advertisement for an inexpensive XP home PC... it looked good until I noticed it only had 128 meg of RAM installed. This PC would not work well under most circumstances. I strongly recommend at least 512 meg RAM. Be sure to read the specifications before you buy.
Test your UPS/battery backup...
An easy way to make sure your battery backup works is to unplug it from the wall outlet while your monitor is turned on. If the monitor stays on, then try it with both your monitor and computer running. It should power both for at least 5 minutes, unless you have automatic shutdown software, which may shut down your computer sooner. Most batteries last 3 years under normal conditions. Also- make sure the computer is plugged into the battery backed up receptacle- some units have additional surge-only outlets for high power accessories such as laser printers.
As always, beware of phishing, scan at least weekly with updated spyware software, and keep the virus checker up to date.
Until next time... Happy Computing !
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