From Langa...
"Forced" XP Upgrades Next Week?
Hi Fred, Not to have you second guess other pundits opinions, but this person alleges that on April 12th, Microsoft will "force feed" all XP SP1 users who have not migrated to SP2 to receive SP2, if it was blocked using some "existing blocking software."
Are you aware if this is actually possible? ---Bob
Yes, they can do that, sort of, but there's nothing new going on, and it's nowhere near as bad as some would have you believe. The plan, which has been in the works for a long time, is posted here: langa.com
Here's what's going on: Microsoft has been pilloried for years for producing software riddled with security flaws, to the detriment of the entire online world. Microsoft eventually corrects its software's flaws in service packs and updates. But if people don't install the service packs and updates, then the flaws persist, the entire online world suffers, and Microsoft remains the bad guy because its software is still causing problems.
So, Microsoft is trying to nudge its customers to install the necessary service packs and updates. But then they're pilloried as the Big Bad Bully who's making people do things they don't want to....
It's not easy to feel sympathy for Microsoft, but I actually do in this case: They can't win, either way.
That said, Microsoft still won't "force" anyone to upgrade on or after April 12th: If you don't want the SP2 upgrade, just don't go to WindowsUpdate, and don't let your PC update automatically.
Of course, by avoiding WindowsUpdate, you also won't get any other patches and updates; and that's the "carrot" that MS can offer: If you want to stay with XP SP1, that's fine, but you're on your own. If you want access to any of the WindowsUpdate services with XP, you'll have to upgrade to SP2. It's your choice.
It seems a reasonable position to me. You don't *have* to upgrade--- but it'd be smart to do so. SP2 is actually pretty good, and does fix many security problems. |
