During Spring break (3/14-3/18), technicians will
be upgrading those computers running Windows XP to Service Pack 2. The two
biggest changes you will notice are: 1) the new Security Center; and 2) the information bar in Internet Explorer.
Security Center
The new Security Center keeps essential security information visible. Its tray icon turns
red if there's a problem or yellow if new updates are available.
Double-clicking on the icon brings up the Security Center window, showing the
current security status in three areas: Firewall, Automatic Updates, and
Virus Protection. SP2 will warn users if antivirus software is turned off or
out of date.
IE uses a new information bar at the top of the current
page, just below the lowest toolbar. IE will point out the info bar at its
first appearance. Scripts and automated downloads blocked by IE will be
reported here, as will windows blocked by the new built-in pop-up blocker.
Users can click on the info bar for a menu of actions appropriate to the
particular warning.
Internet Explorer
The menu for a blocked pop-up, for example, includes
options to show the blocked pop-up, enable pop-ups for the current site, or
configure the adequate but not outstanding pop-up blocker.
When IE asks users whether to allow installation of a
particular ActiveX control, it provides a link to the publisher's information
and to the digital certificate. In addition to the familiar "always
trust this publisher" option, users can now choose never to trust the
specified publisher.
If you attempt to download a file that has incomplete
publisher information, Internet Explorer provides a clear warning.
If a program's publisher can be identified and its digital certificate is valid, the download warning is less severe.
Technology Services
1 Gardner-Harvey Library
4200 E University Blvd
Middletown, OH 45042
(513)727-3356
The new Security Center keeps essential security information visible. Its tray icon turns
red if there's a problem or yellow if new updates are available.
Double-clicking on the icon brings up the Security Center window, showing the
current security status in three areas: Firewall, Automatic Updates, and
Virus Protection. SP2 will warn users if antivirus software is turned off or
out of date.
The menu for a blocked pop-up, for example, includes
options to show the blocked pop-up, enable pop-ups for the current site, or
configure the adequate but not outstanding pop-up blocker.
If you attempt to download a file that has incomplete
publisher information, Internet Explorer provides a clear warning.
If a program's publisher can be identified and its digital certificate is valid, the download warning is less severe.