Windows XP Service Pack 2 Group Policy

Group Policy functions on a local system of over a network

Windows XP ships with the Group Policy feature, which allows administrators to manage the access permissions and security of the machine. Service Pack 2 greatly expanded the available Group Policy options.

Group Policy Basics

Group Policy operates by setting the default state of a user's system environment, including which applications are available, and what actions the user can take. This policy is defined using the built-in Group Policy Microsoft Management Console.

Updates

Service Pack 2 adds several hundred new options to the Group Policy manager. The additions cover areas such as firewall settings, automatic updates, Internet Explorer settings, system security and user profile settings. If you do not have Service Pack 2 installed, Microsoft offers it as a free download on its website.

Access

To change the Group Policy settings, click the Start menu and select the "Run" option. Type "mmc" into the dialogue box and press "Enter" to open the Group Policy console. Microsoft's website offers information about accomplishing specific tasks using the console.

References

• Microsoft Support: How To Use the Group Policy Editor
• Microsoft Download Center: Managing Windows XP Service Pack 2 Features Using Group Policy

Resources

• Microsoft Windows XP: Group Policy
• Microsoft Download Center: Windows XP Service Pack 2