The Security Mentor

Microsoft is making some fundamental changes that delight security experts and dismay software companies used to the old Windows.

You may see some things suddenly stop working when (please, please, not "if". Just do it) you upgrade to Service Pack 2. Don't panic. There will almost certainly be a fix already available from the affected vendor's web site.

You'll need an update to your Norton Antivirus software. The maker, Symantec, is bracing for the onslaught of phone calls. You probably won't need to call if you can upgrade over the web.

Games and conferencing software are especially at risk.

Be ready to see more warnings pop up about what software is doing on your machine. If you can't figure out what to do, check the software vendor's web site first for advice.

And know that it's very worthwhile. Wired News quotes security expert Russ Cooper about Service Pack 2: " "I hope it breaks more things than it's already broken ". Microsoft is biting the bullet and fixing things even at the expense of temporary problems. This is good.