The Windows XP Security Guide Version 2.1 was released in Oct. 2005. The 219-page guide will help IT departments securely configure Windows XP client machines for corporate environments. Major topics include setting up Active Directory (AD) and Group Policy to enforce client security; recommendations for specific client security policies, settings, and practices for "stand-alone" Windows XP clients not in an AD domain; and guidelines for using Software Restriction Policy to prevent execution of unwanted software (e.g., all scripts or all executables not coming from a trusted file folder). Included with the guide are Group Policy administrative templates for the recommended settings and scripts for setting up and testing configurations. The guide can be downloaded at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/windowsxp/secwinxp.