Quote Originally Posted by Gizmokid2005 View Post
Eh, that's why you put SP2 on a cd and install that...then do the rest of the updates...if you are quick about it you are fine with putting a "virgin" XP machine online. Just don't leave it open for an extended period of time (36 hours+)
the new hardware came with xp-pro sp2, so I guess I didn't need a streemlined disk. I was reading about that extended period of time. Microsoft say's the new survival time is now an average of 16 minutes before an unprotected OS gets owned just by plugging into a modem/broadband without any security.

I'm behind a natted router but still got a to-do list of things to help secure the OS. Might post it as a guide or something, it's pretty good stuff that requires reg editing, firewalls, antivirus, user acounts and other stuff to protect the registry. More than just installing ZA Adaware/spybot S&D. Haven't had the time to sit down and get into it so It's not online. I may only use the machine for photo's and printing. The new camera software, Canon Digital Professional required xp and so did doom3 and I think q4 but haven't got those yet. of course I'll use it for lotsa 3d fps, but it may never see the internet. I'm wondering if there's a way to make the activation thing disapear so I don't have to go online with it.