The  release of the XP Service Pack 2 looks like nothing but headaches and heartaches for most computer users. I have read several articles relating to SP2 on the internet and all say there will be problems to deal with for most PC users. Why in the world would you want to put something on your computer that could cause so many problems. Microsoft very openly says that you can expect that certain applications and software will be broken and will no longer work. Of course they explain this is all in the sacrifice for better security. My basic question is do you have to install SP 2 and what happens if you choose not to install it? My computer is running great and why would I want to alter its performance?

Just type into search engine Microsoft XP SP2 and you will find numerous articles discussing the broken applicatons. None are very flattering. Start with  reading an article -->August 6, 2004
Microsoft's XP SP2 Arrives
By Susan Kuchinskas

I read that article as a big hoorah for Microsoft in doing what it's done. I don't see a negative drawback. I've run SP2 since first testing phases and with the exception of one minor problem early on my PC works beautifully.

Some quotes from the article you gave:

"This is necessary. But it will be a little bit surprising if there isn't at least a minor backlash from consumers," said Stephen O'Grady, an analyst with RedMonk. "

"This will be a very difficult upgrade for many people," O'Grady said, "but you have to give Microsoft credit here. They're biting the bullet and doing what is right, whether customers recognize it or not."

"It will take some education, O'Kelly said, before people understand that some of the software they have just won't work any more. More important, they need to understand that it's an acceptable trade-off."

So, for a change it seems, the analysts are saying "good job" rather than "suck it up M$".

The very vast majority of people should not worry about applications being "broken". It is up to everyone if they choose to install it but the wise people will install. Sometimes you have to "bite the bullet" and in the fight against internet trash like viruses, spyware, etc this is a step that responsible users should take. SP2 is really a nicely prepared and very thoroughly regression tested update.

For those in doubt this article and the links in it provide some good info.

http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/59.htm#winreport1

I tried the Beta of SP2 RC2. Other than the "Security Center" not recognizing NAV '04 and ZA 5.1.011, I had no problems. It actually ran smoother than the SP1 version on C drive. I'll have no hesitation in updating to the final release.