I have been buying XP with SP2 since it was available . . makes for a much quicker installation and avoids the need to slipstream in the future.  Installation with SP2 included cause fewer problems than adding it later.

wrs

simpswr,

I was thinking along those lines also as far as Installing Windows XP Home SP2 OEM version, rather than as an update. Another question if I may.

I want to run Adaware SE, Spybot 1.3, NAV 2005, Zone Alarm (free version) with XP Home SP2 OEM (from newegg). Normall speaking will there be any problems with this type of configuration?

Thanks...................

Should not be a problem . . I run all those except for Zone Alarm . . I find I prefer the SP2 Firewall . . much less overhead and it is on during startup . . which is nice if you have an "always on" broadband connection. 

I used BlackIce ( ugly! ) for a year and then switched to Zone Alarm ( much better ) for three years.  When the sp2 BETA came out, I had to decide which Firewall I wanted to use . . XP or Zone Alarm.  Zone Alarm has outgoing protection but in 4 years of using a firewall, I never had an outgoing attempt that was not valid, so I went with the XP firewall and now use that on all installation I perform.  A lot depends on your browsing habits I suppose, but the XP firewall seems to do the job.

I'd do a clean installation . . much fewer issues to deal with.

wrs

I agree, should not be a problem.  I run McAfee VirusScan, ZoneAlarm Pro, Ad-Aware SE Plus and Spybot with minimal issues.  I disabled the SP2 Firewall.  I think it does depend a lot on your internet habits, and keeping the various protection programs updated. 

I, too, would do a clean install...less grief.

Good luck,

B4runo

The only benefit to buying the version with SP1 is that if you find you have an application that has compatibility problems with SP2, you can still run it.  If SP2's included on the installer, there's no going back ;p

That said, I'd go with the SP2 disc unless you know you have a reason not to