Finally XP SP3 is available.
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Windows XP SP3 is finally available for download from download.windowsupdate. The service pack is a 300MB+ standalone x86 installer available in majorly all the languages. Much after the wait for longtime this service pack can also be obtained through windows update as a 70MB download. For x64 OS the SP3 won’t be available right now, it may release till the end of June this year by automatic updates.
This service pack includes all the important fixes and even the previously-released Windows XP updates which include security updates, out-of-band software fixes, some important hot-fixes which might have been excluded in SP2. The shocking thing is Windows Explorer 7 isn’t included in the new SP3 bundle, rather it needs to be installed separately.
With XP SP3, Microsoft has timeported back some Vista features. The four major features which aren’t just Vista specific now include Network fixes.
- NAP(Network Access Protection) is included which helps blocking network access to unknown connection unless specified by the corporation. This fix will majorly help enterprises for added protection from intruders in their network.
- Microsoft Kernel Cryptographic module which helps in cryptograhing algorithms in single module.
- “Black Hole” Router Detection System helps in detecting and protecting users from false data packages sent and received by some Routers.
- The new Product Activation module is also added which helps to install XP even without entering the Product Key, just like in Windows Vista installation.
This service pack might have extended Windows XP life for couple of years but this might not help, as Windows 7 to reach the market in couple of years and Manufacturers finding loopholes to bypass the deadline to extent their Windows Vista Ultimate or Business editions activation period. Its still confusing with the present Downgrade policy going on in which users are allowed to downgrade to Windows XP Professional that which OS could be the next standard.This is indeed a very important Service Pack for Windows XP as majorly all the security glitches might get solved. The SP1 for Windows Vista was a critical release.
Its still unclear whether we should be waiting for Windows Vista SP2 or Windows 7 or just lookout for XP SP4. I still don’t know which OS I should stick for a while…
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