WinXP SP 3?

[Indiana]

No, execution protection actually is a good feature. It' meant for mapping memory adresses which are used only for data and not for program-code as non-executable, thus preventing the nowadays most common security-hole used for worms/viruses: the use of buffer-overflows to execute foreign code on another machine.

If the memory adress is mapped as non-executable, even after a buffer-overflow, the CPU won't execute the "hostile" program-code. Unfortunately not only the OS has to support this (WinXP SP2 will introduce it) but also the CPU. AMDs newest CPU support this feature, Intels seem to not do this up to now.

[The PIT]

Originally posted by Paddy
That's still quite a wait. I am just fed up of setting up computers for my mates. I have to take them back to mine so that I can use my broadband connection just to update the friggin' OS before i pass them on.

Why not download the updates and burn them to CD???? Then charge em as well.

[Paddy]

Surely it is better to release it when it's ready and working rather than having you lot moaning after an early release saying "**** Microsoft, such and such is still wrong/doesn't work"?

All I want is an archive of all the updates that are available.

[The PIT]

You can do that from windows update. I think it's under customise or something like that.
I used that to get a patch that only windoze update had.

[ayoub_ibrahim]

if you go to the windows update site, click personalize windows update.
check the box in the right pane then save settings.
you should now get windows update catalog on the left pane.
click it & choose what you want

[Paddy]

you da man! Cheers Ayoub!

[Gurm]

Haven't y'all heard about the lovely "windows update CD" that's coming out soon?

- Gurm

[Jon P. Inghram]

The built-in firewall is supposed to be much more usefull, it's got application sensing (or whatever they call it when it opens ports only when software that the user has permitted access needs 'em.) I'm sure Gurm will complain about the "Do you want to allow Blah.exe access to the internet?" messages.

[Gurm]

Damn right I will.

****ing blight on humanity, that shit.

Of course, I imagine that with MS it will WORK, as opposed to:

"Do you want to allow IEXPLORE.EXE to access the Internet?"

(Yes)

"Are you sure? It could be a VIRUS!!!!!!!"

(Yes)

"I'm going to assume you slipped and meant to click NO, because it could be a VVIIIIIIRRRRRUUUUUUSSSSS!~!!!!!!!!"

(Internet explorer closes...)

- Gurm

[Jon P. Inghram]

Gurm, you're totaly wrong! Everyone knows Microsoft is going to give automatic permission to their own software, even if the user actually does want to block it's access to the net.

[Admiral]

Uninstalled SP2, it ****s up my video card.

[DGhost]

BTW - Intel has processors out that do support the NX (No eXecute) feature that XP SP2 supports. However, they are the Itanium line of processors. Go Figure.

[Indiana]

Yes, I meant of course mainstream CPUs.
Since I don't believe anyone here will run an Itanium in his private rig...

(Don't know about the Prescott, maybe this already supports it)