It seems Windows XP service pack 2 is required to install the FSX demo and probably FSX itself. I long ago chose not to install this service pack on my main FS rig so I will be passing on this demo . There is nothing in service pack 2 required for FSX. It seems Micro$ is just pushing this on us wether we like it or not. I have no need for it as it is just security updates and I am well protected through a hardware firewall. So I have to decide wether to install this useless, performance reducing, service pack or waiting until I build my Vista PC sometime next year. I swear, if it wasn't for FS I would go for a Mac or Linux instead.Regards, Carlos

I saw no decrease in performance after installing SP2 long ago. I even slipstreamed it onto my XP install disk so I wouldn't have to download it again.If you really want a Mac, you could go for X-Plane. Austin Meyer designs it on a Mac, and ports it to windows.

SP2 had no ill affects for me when I installed it. Trust me! It's not that bad!

I tried X-plane and didn't like it that much. About SP2 install, I really worry about it messing everything up like it did to a friend of mine. I know some people have had no problems and I have it installed in my laptop (It came with it) but I have a lot of add ons to reinstall if something goes wrong. Come october I might risk it for the actual FSX but not now for a demo. Thanks for the comments.Regards, Carlos

Why not use the Windows Restore function and make a 'Restore Point' before installing SP2. If you don't like you should just be able to use the Restore Point to go back to where you were before installing the SP2. Also, if you install SP2 I recommend that you go all the way and also install all the latest Windows Updates. Again, if you don't like it use the restore point.RegardsOTS

I really don't get how you could live with no SP2 installed considering the many security holes it fixed.

Yup, downloading the security updates won't keep your computer secure if SP2 is not installed, because some of those won't even show up on Windows Update unless you have SP2.SP2 is a bunch of security fixes, improvements.. the only thing that might bog the system down is the security center, which can be turned off.

SP1 will be unsupported by MS as of October 2006 if I recall correctly

Got the bad surprise too to see that SP2 was required...I did install and then uninstall SP2 when it was released because it increases XP footprint in RAM too much IMO at the detriment of FS9.I'd be glad to know what SP2 specifically brings to the sim. If nothing, the guys in Redmond would be welcome to allow the use of the SP1 with subsequent patches. If not that will encourage people to wait for their new 64 bit/DX10/VISTAed computer and postpone buying FSX in the meantime...

It seems Windows XP service pack 2 is required to install the FSX demo and probably FSX itself.Microsoft, and most other manufactures, have been very clear.SP2 is NOT AN OPTION.New software cannot protect your computer or itself without SP2. No SP2, no new software.

Why not just buy windows ;-)

>It seems Windows XP service pack 2 is required to install the>FSX demo and probably FSX itself. I long ago chose not to>install this service pack on my main FS rig so I will be>passing on this demo . There is nothing in service pack 2>required for FSX. It seems Micro$ is just pushing this on us>wether we like it or not. I have no need for it as it is just>security updates and I am well protected through a hardware>firewall. So I have to decide wether to install this useless,>performance reducing, service pack or waiting until I build my>Vista PC sometime next year. I swear, if it wasn't for FS I>would go for a Mac or Linux instead.>>Regards, Carlos>>You're actually still running your computer with only SP1 installed? :-eek lol rather you than me. And since when has SP2 had any performance hit on FS9? This is all news to me.

Service pack 1 is all that is needed for all my current software. Until now most software was made to run on several variations of Windows even if it wasn't optimized it would still install and run. Now Microsoft expects you not only have the latest Windows incarnation but all the updates to install software that doesn't even need those updates. Most computer users I know don't know the inner workings of their computers requiring well paid geeks at Microsoft to show them how to install this stuff for a fee.Or they go out and buy a new one to Microsofts advantage as they provide the OEM OS for those computers. Talk about extortion. I am not among those and consider myself computer savy but can see what Microsoft is trying to do. I don't care what Microsoft supports as I have never asked (paid) for Microsoft support and I never will. My computer(s) are as secure as any home network around. I have had NO spyware, viruses or hacker attacks in over three years. Which is not to say a dedicated hacker couldn't compromise my system if he/she wanted to. I know one that did jail time for breaking into several banks and stealing money. Her message is don't even bother. No amount of service packs is enough to stop a dedicated hacker if they really wan't to get into your system. Why would any one bother with a home network, however. Hackers are after bigger fish. The "bigger footprint" as mentioned above is what I am worried about in having to install SP2 or any updates. I have traditionally installed updates that I felt were useful or needed. SP 2 is not among those, at least for me.My 2 (Copper colored coin with Lincoln on the front),Carlos

Well for the record it's not required just to be difficult. We actually do depend on some SP2 components.

>Service pack 1 is all that is needed for all my current>software. Until now most software was made to run on several>variations of Windows even if it wasn't optimized it would>still install and run. Now Microsoft expects you not only have>the latest Windows incarnation but all the updates to install>software that doesn't even need those updates. Most computer>users I know don't know the inner workings of their computers>requiring well paid geeks at Microsoft to show them how to>install this stuff for a fee.Or they go out and buy a new one>to Microsofts advantage as they provide the OEM OS for those>computers. Talk about extortion. I am not among those and>consider myself computer savy but can see what Microsoft is>trying to do. I don't care what Microsoft supports as I have>never asked (paid) for Microsoft support and I never will. My>computer(s) are as secure as any home network around. I have>had NO spyware, viruses or hacker attacks in over three years.>Which is not to say a dedicated hacker couldn't compromise my>system if he/she wanted to. I know one that did jail time for>breaking into several banks and stealing money. Her message is>don't even bother. No amount of service packs is enough to>stop a dedicated hacker if they really wan't to get into your>system. Why would any one bother with a home network, however.>Hackers are after bigger fish. The "bigger footprint" as>mentioned above is what I am worried about in having to>install SP2 or any updates. I have traditionally installed>updates that I felt were useful or needed. SP 2 is not among>those, at least for me.>>My 2 (Copper colored coin with Lincoln on the front),>>Carlos>>>>As a former Microsoft MCSE Instructor, I can tell you not installing SP2 is a bad idea. If you are for some reason so low on resources that FS9 performance degrades then you have other issues. SP2 isn't there to keep hackers out- the updates will stop a large amount of spyware, viruses and adware that SP1 and below were susceptible to. Since it's been out, I've seen spyware infections drop 95% or so. Actually, at the insurance company I work for, we haven't had a single case since we installed it. Before that, we had to rebuild all the computers from it and start clean. And this is several hundred users.About the hacking thing... Hackers don't break in by somehow getting through your firewall- the real ones either get inside help, or get inside by pretending to be tech support etc... There is no conceivable way to compromise a computer behind a firewall that is not open to incoming connections- so the service pack will not change that. But remember there are people that still fall for the Nigerian Check Scam out there, so morons are a dime a dozen, and they would probably give out their passwords without too much thought.