so, i'm currently using windows SP1. and i'm wondering if i should update to a higher service pack

i'm asking because, my friend says SP2 and higher is just clutter-ware and a big nuisance. and that it's definitely not worth getting.
on the other hand, someone else i know says it's worth getting and that i should upgrade to SP4.

the person that said it's not worth getting, is more computer experienced, so i'm taking his opinion higher then the other person.

but what do you guys think? should i upgrade or not? what are the cons & pros?
what exactly does it do? just increase security?

Which Windows OS are you referring to?
Windows XP only has SP2 so far and nothing newer, yet. Although allot of the so-called patches have SP3 references in the registry.

i have windows XP home edition

i also heard once you upgrade, you can't uninstall it, is that true?

I would recommend SP2 (I am very computer literate I have Cert II, Cert III, Cert IV, Diploma of Network Engineering) as well.
SP2 use to be considered a waste of time by some, but the extra security and patched holes makes it well worth it.

No XP computer should be running without SP2 these days.

Spot on.

alright, i'm installing it now thanks.

edit: ahh, i have to install 60 something critical updates first before it will let me have SP2..
and half of these updates are for programs i don't even use (msn, outlook, wmp, ie..)
installing all this isn't going to flood my 'Add or remove Programs' list, is it?

that's what happened last time, i didn't like it
oh well

Did you have to uninstall those Certs when you got the upgrades?

Kiddin'. Whatever you post in future, I agree.

I recommend you install it as soon as possible considering a majority of current and future XP security updates are only compatible with it.

Never had any system crashes nor program stability problems because of SP2. I don't know why some people are against it, same goes for Microsoft's .NET Framework.

In xp you dont see most updates in add/remove unless you choose to by clicking the little box.
You should always update windows with all security updates to avoid viruses and spyware. Here is some more advice on how to do that as well: http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/...eprevention.htm

If you click custom at the windows update page you can select to only install "critical" updates. You can get by with just those but the optional updates usually add some good stuff every now and then(updates to WMP, ect)