Windows XP SP2 poses firewall management test

Business users could face complex management challenges to get the most out of the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update due for release in July. XP SP2 will, by default, switch on the Windows firewall, and Microsoft is recommending that users configure the Windows Firewall and use Active Directory to manage configurations of the firewall across large numbers of desktop PCs. David Overton, technical strategist at Microsoft, said, "Our recommendation is to run [Windows] Firewall on all corporate desktops. It makes sense to use group policy [in Active Directory for managing the firewalls]."

Group policy uses Active Directory to roll out configurations across the business based on an end-user’s role, application requirements and level of authorisation.

However, research by analyst firm Meta Group has suggested that some users have been reluctant to use Active Directory.

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