Surprise From Microsoft
I figured that with the demise of Windows XP already set for June Microsoft would not release Service Pack 3. Surprise, they did just that yesterday.
Microsoft today finally released Service Pack 3 for Windows XP users. The update should now be offered via both Windows Update or Automatic Updates. The company was expected to release it last week, but pulled the plug at the last minute due to a compatibility problem with an obscure product they offer.
Many readers have asked me whether this update is really necessary, given that there isn't a whole lot new in Service Pack 3 aside from all of the security and non-security updates Microsoft has ever released for the operating system.
The following are some of the things you should know about installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
Microsoft says it is not adding any significant Windows Vista technology into XP with Service Pack 3. No surprise there, given that Microsoft has said Service Pack 3 will be XP's swan song: The company currently plans to stop issuing new licenses for the operating system this summer.
Brian Krebs at the Washington Post does not see any problems with the update so far. But it would be a good idea to follow directions (he has the link) if you do install the last service pack. I have to see about getting it on disk so I don't have to download it over and over.
Geek Stuff | Gaius Wednesday, 7 May , 2008
By Sam, Wednesday, 7 May , 2008 @ 8:31 am
It loaded on my PC when I was on it last night. So far, I have seen no difference.
By Gideon7, Wednesday, 7 May , 2008 @ 10:14 am
If you install XP SP2 and go to Windows Update there are 80-odd patches that need to be applied. SP3 basically rolls up all those patches.
It does not include IE7. But if you previously installed IE7 it does provide security patches for it.
By teqjack, Wednesday, 7 May , 2008 @ 2:42 pm
available via "both Windows Update or Automatic Updates" but not yet via Windows Download, which will have a much larger (standalone?) version I will wait for.