Windows XP SP2 Better Than SP1? - Should I Upgrade?

I understand that there are alot of security updates in SP2. But I'm not sure if I should upgrade (I'm using Windows XP SP1). I have a decent anti-virus software installed, as well as a few freeware bit 'n' bobs. Also, if new viruses are made, are they exploiting the faults in SP1 or SP2? Or does it not matter which one they target?

Microsoft claims:

The vast majority of users upgrade to SP2 without a hitch, but there are some unusual cases where users have software or hardware configurations that cause problems with starting their computers after they install SP2.

Personally, I'm slightly worried that the installation will fail and that I won't be able to recover my SP1 nor access my computer. I am running on a genuine version of Windows. I've never understood Service Packs, so I'm not sure how serious a fail could be. Any one here know what the worst possible scenario could be? And do you guys think it is worth for me to upgrade?
Edited February 11, 2006 by miCRoSCoPiC^eaRthLinG (see edit history)

There's a been a discussion on this subject before, search function will probably help.As for me, I still use SP1 and I've never had any security issues, mainly becausea) I have a descent (free) virusscanner, namely Avast wich protects my at different levels;) I have a descent firewall wich is configured rahter strictly (loooots of blocked ports)c) I regulary run adware, spybot, etc ...d) I don't use Internet Exploder, nor outlook express, but I use opera w/ M2So, you're safe enough w/o SP2, plus, you safe yourself a lot of freaking balloons, pop-ups and other crappy questions that keeps annoying you (I could stand it 10min before I reseted the pc and started intstalling SP1 again ).Oh, and if you'd want to upgrade to SP2, there normaly arent' issues anymore, so it will prolly run completely flawless. Afterwards you can uninstall SP2 as if it was a normal program.Oh(2), always make back-up, it sooner to late than you expect.

there are so many exploits in service pack 1 that you really should update

there are many exploits on SP2, it creates some itself and doesn't patch crap.The only patch that it gave me is game stability. 3D rendering is fixed with SP2, that's all.xboxrulz

I'd say it's good for people who are complete tech-incompetents, since it sets firewalls and auto-updates on by default. Plus SP2 has a bunch of the security fixes that have been released that are now widely publicized security holes so it would be good to fix them just in case. Personally I'd reccomend it even though it's only annoyed me haha. I ahven't noticed any problems, just annoyances with the security center keeping trying to be more in control then I'll let it

I'd say it's good for people who are complete tech-incompetents, since it sets firewalls and auto-updates on by default.

Are you talking about that rubbish Microsoft firewall that does absolutely nothing? XD It leads to a false sense of in security in my opinion.

Once I actually properly back-up my system, or atleast, the important documents, I'll try to give SP2 a go. By the way, does it take up a lot of file space? I don't mean the initial installation file, but the whole service pack in general? Becuase I'm already using alot of diskspace as it is.

Thanks for your previous replyies guys!

We all agree that SP2 fixes up old holes and also creates new ones. Bottom line is - keep your PC updated with the latest patches. SP2 has been out for quite some time and has had the smallest percentages of install failures in the recorded history of Windows Updates [ barring Win2003Server updates]. As with all major software upgrades, backup to a separate location [ like a CD / DVD ] or another HDD. Prevention is better than having to waste time huntinig and then implementing the cure. If the hole to exploit is absent you won't be infected with the malware designed specifically to look for that hole in your PC.My opinion - take the plunge. Install SP2 but take the precaution of backing up your data.

don't worry too much, just install it. If it won't work, then you probably have pirated version of ms win Xp. and then go buy a legal one in store, and everything will work fine..

I would upgrade to SP2. There really isn't any reason why you shouldn't and I'd imagine that more and more Microsoft software or updates will require SP2. I believe the IE7 beta requires Service Pack 2, and no doubt the final release will too.

I've personally never had a problem with SP2, at all. I got one of the 'first' public releases of it (before they quietly added a few fixes) and it hasn't broken since.Yes the firewall is a bit on the lame side, and the security centre is over zelous at first, but it can all be set up just the way I like it... And I don't see any problems with automatic updates.All in all, SP2 was one of the least painful updates I've done (after I turned off system restore, damn that takes a long time on this system ).t33 makes a good point with future compatibility too, and not just MS stuff, I know of lots of programs that require SP2 to work properly

Windows Xp Sp2 Better Than Sp1? - Should I Upgrade?

NO! Never ever!
It's crap. It can cause many problems, also with the internet connection. It's broking torrent downloading It has annoying popups/dialogs/whatever. It uses more system resources. It's creating more proces(es?).
I just stick with SP1 but still upgrade with their critical patches w/o SP2. I'm also using Zone Alarm as firewall, NOD32 as anti-virus and AD-Aware as anti-spy. Never got anything that had broken anything

Drusek I have SP2 and download torrents perfectly fine (...legal torents...obv...). You just need to make sure to "allow" the torrent software to run through the retardo firewall, or disable the firewall completely as I do. Really, if torrents were literally unusable with SP2 thatn would be a VERY well known issue haha. People likey their torrents

yes, and we can "sue" Microsoft for restriction of freedom on our computers. Which they are trying hard to restrict us doing whatever we want.xboxrulz

I didn't like SP2. After I installed it my PC became very slow and kept bothering with stupid security warnings about that (useless) Windows firewall. And yea, I had another firewall running (either Sygate Personal Firewall Pro or Tiny Personal Firewall, not sure) but it just didn't bother to acknowledge it. Now I'm using SP1 and am happy with it :oAbout the security patches, they don't really make THAT of a difference. Either installing SP2 or not, just scan your PC using a few anti-spyware programs, surf using Firefox, have a good firewall - I recommend Sygate Personal Firewall - and a anti-virus and you'll be pretty safe. You'll never be totally safe, specially on Windows

If u dont upgrade to sp2 some programs refuses to co-operate.. But yes sp2 includes loads of crap.