We've all heard the Microsoft updater woes. It seems Microsoft comes out with a critical update patch for XP on a daily basis. Last year, Microsoft tried to answer those who were dissatisfied about constant updating by switching their critical maintenance updates to only once per month. Unfortunately, that didn't work either, as a common PC could by that time have a few MB to download in updates and patches-pity on those few internet surfers who still subscribe to the net with a dial-up connection. How was Microsoft to solve this problem? With the advent of XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft made it easier to update a PC by simply suggesting to the user that they turn on the new feature Automatic Updates, which not only downloaded but installed as well. Hooray! Microsoft's update/patch problems have been solved! I think not.

I feel the pain for anyone out there who purchased a brand new computer before Windows XP Service Pack 2 came out. Their machine most likely came with either a full copy of Windows XP Service Pack 1 or a recovery CD with the same. Why is that terrible? Last night, I performed a healthy, full system wipe and format of my computer. I had contracted a few viruses (who says computers aren't getting more like humans?) and never really recovered fully from their after-effects. After the system wipe, I installed the only copy of Windows XP that I owned-a Dell Recovery disk from 2003 with Service Pack 1. Here's where the major headache and gripe lies.

Starting from Windows XP Service Pack 1, the update process is immensely time consuming. First, I had to update 27 critical patches for Service Pack 1. Approximate time for download and installation with a cable modem: 30 minutes. Next came the monstrous preparation for Service Pack 2. This 90 MB monster must be an excruciating download for those who have a dial-up connection. First, Windows prepares your computer for the download and installation, which takes about 10 minutes on a 1 GHz machine. Then, the 90MB download and installation takes another 25-30 minutes. Once you've rebooted from installing, there are an additional 6 or 7 critical patches at the time of this writing. Tack on another 10 minutes.

Microsoft still does not have a handle on their update and patch problems. These problems are most likely unsolvable. If a company has 85-90% of the market share, they're bound to be poked and prodded by hackers in order to exploit weaknesses. I don't foresee any end in the near future to the massive volume of Microsoft's critical patches and updates. Apparently there's a price to pay for being a monopoly-the company not only suffers security exploitation, but their users must struggle through that quagmire too.

Other Thoughts - Joe Di Figlia

I agree that this process is time consuming and an outright pain in the ass. There is something you can do to help alleviate the problem though. Being proactive and a little savvy will yield that Microsoft will send you the SP2 CD for free. To order this CD visit: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

There is also the option of Slipstreaming your Windows CD with the current service pack