Microsoft was good on it’s word, and mid-week, last week, the FREE Security CD that had been ordered — replete with all of the Windows Critical Updates through February 2004, including the Service Pack 1 (very handy!) — arrived in VanRamblings’ mailbox.
Note should be made that Microsoft’s Security CD does not contain any of the Recommended Updates. Further mention should be made that those using this disk as a pre-installation tool (‘pre’ going onto the ’Net, that is) should go to the Windows Update site a.s.a.p. to download the most recent Critical Updates, at which time the Recommended Updates could be installed. You’ll probably want to cherry-pick the Recommended Updates.
The Windows Security CD comes packaged with FREE Anti-Virus and firewall utilities, on a separate disk. The firewall, which Microsoft calls “EZ Firewall”, is simply a re-branded version of ZoneAlarm. You don’t have to install these programmes if you don’t want them. If you do, though, make sure you enter the license(s) after registering, or you’ll get a nag screen each time you reboot. Microsoft says the license is good for a one year period.
