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Windows XP Service Pack 3 Released
Monaro
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Windows XP Service Pack 3 has been released to Windows Update
Won't be a compulsory (auto) update for a few weeks.
Or, if you like:
Direct link: http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu_c81472f7eeea2eca421e116cd4c03e2300ebfde4.exe
316MB - MD5 Hash: BB25707C919DD835A9D9706B5725AF58
This is a cumulative update of every update from SP1 till now (so you must have at least SP1 installed, SP2 recommended apparently), so a very convenient package if you have to reinstall Windows, as this'll save you a bit of bandwidth (or download time if you're doing more than one PC). Because of this, it does not change compatibility with any games. It is not a major rewrite like SP2 that broke a few older things.
Having said that though, there are 4 new features that improve the system's reliability and security:
Network Access Protection compatibility. Announced years ago, this feature allows Windows XP machines to interact with the NAP feature in Windows Server 2008. This functionality is built into the RTM version of Windows Vista as well.
Product Key-less install option. As with Windows Vista, new XP with SP3 installs can proceed without entering a product key during Setup.
Kernel Mode Cryptographics Module. A new kernel module that "encapsulates several different cryptographic algorithms," according to Microsoft.
"Black hole" router detection algorithm. XP gains the ability to ignore network routers that incorrectly drop certain kinds of network packets. This, too, is a feature of Windows Vista.
Enjoy!
Won't be a compulsory (auto) update for a few weeks.
Or, if you like:
Direct link: http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu_c81472f7eeea2eca421e116cd4c03e2300ebfde4.exe
316MB - MD5 Hash: BB25707C919DD835A9D9706B5725AF58
This is a cumulative update of every update from SP1 till now (so you must have at least SP1 installed, SP2 recommended apparently), so a very convenient package if you have to reinstall Windows, as this'll save you a bit of bandwidth (or download time if you're doing more than one PC). Because of this, it does not change compatibility with any games. It is not a major rewrite like SP2 that broke a few older things.
Having said that though, there are 4 new features that improve the system's reliability and security:
Network Access Protection compatibility. Announced years ago, this feature allows Windows XP machines to interact with the NAP feature in Windows Server 2008. This functionality is built into the RTM version of Windows Vista as well.
Product Key-less install option. As with Windows Vista, new XP with SP3 installs can proceed without entering a product key during Setup.
Kernel Mode Cryptographics Module. A new kernel module that "encapsulates several different cryptographic algorithms," according to Microsoft.
"Black hole" router detection algorithm. XP gains the ability to ignore network routers that incorrectly drop certain kinds of network packets. This, too, is a feature of Windows Vista.
Enjoy!
Monaro on
0