New features included in the update, which will most likely be labled Windows 2000 Service Pack 2, enhanced security and--borrowing from the forthcoming Windows XP--better compatibility with older software applications. The latter could be important to spurring Windows 2000 sales.
One of the biggest changes introduced by the service pack affects security. Until now, Windows 2000 offered 56-bit encryption by default, forcing users who wanted tighter security to either install higher encryption from a separate CD or download via Windows Update. This meant some companies could be unaware their Windows 2000 installations included relatively poor security. Service Pack 2 offers 128-bit encryption by default, and it updates 56-bit version Windows 2000 versions as necessary.
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