Microsoft have finally officially released Service Pack Two (SP2) for Windows XP. It includes various critical security updates that have been released since the first Service Pack. There are also a few tweaks across the operating system. The two main operating system updates are a popup blocker for Internet Explorer & increased security, with the update of XPs firewall in "Windows Security Center".

The Windows Security Center manages your firewall, automatic updates and virus protection. However, if you don't have one of these enabled, you'll get an annoying red shield icon in your system tray that will refuse to disappear (except for "hide inactive icons"!).