The 266mb IT professional and developer edition of Windows XP SP2 was released yesterday via the Microsoft website. SP2, Or Service Pack Two, contains many changes which will affect most if not all users of the Microsoft Windows Operating system. Many web developers are very concerned about new security features that the service pack applies to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer, the free browser distributed with all Windows computers now contains a built in pop-up blocker. The new tool blocks pop-ups initiated from websites, but pop-ups which are activated by users’ clicks will not be blocked. In addition, developers will no longer be able to launch full screen Internet Explorer windows. Internet Explorer windows can only be launched maximized.

In addition, files can no longer be automatically downloaded. In the past, many sites offered a "Please wait while the file downloads. If a dialog box does not appear within 5 seconds, please click here." Such sites will not work with the new SP2, as file downloads must be initiated by the users’ click.

Microsoft’s new service pack also has a myriad of new features for Wireless (802.11x) networking. Such features include a wireless network setup wizard, a new repair function to repair wireless connections, revised wireless connection dialog box with more information, and much more. The improvements are aimed at making wireless networking much more user friendly.

Although the current service pack is designed for IT Professionals and developers who must make large scale deployments, users who cannot wait until the express version is released are not left out. Users of Microsoft’s Windows XP Tablet PC edition should use a different, more tablet-integrated version of the service pack available at Microsoft’s website. (Please see related links)

Related Links:

• Tablet PC edition of SP2
• Guide for Installing and Deploying XP SP2
• Instructions for users who want to wait for the express version of SP2:
• Developer’s Download page for SP2
• More information about SP2