dferguson
23rd April 2008, 03:20 PM
Microsoft are set to release the third major service pack for the Windows XP operating system this month - called Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Why is this important?
Service Packs are cumulative, that is, they contain all previously released updates and hot fixes as well as some new updates. If your system has missed updates in the past, installing this new service pack will ensure your Windows XP PC is as up-to-date and secure as possible.
It is important to keep your PC up-to-date in order to protect yourself against intruders and viruses/malware and to keep your system as stable and trouble free as possible.
How do you get it?
On April 29th 2008 (~April 30th in Australia) Service Pack 3 will be made available via Windows Update. You can start the download by visiting the Windows Update website and checking for updates. You can access the Windows Update website here: http://update.microsoft.com (http://update.microsoft.com)
What else does Service Pack 3 contain?
As well as containing ALL previously released updates for Windows XP, the service pack will also contain the following additions to Windows XP...
MMC 3.0 - Used by system administrators in corporate networks.
MSXML 6.0 - An update to the XML components of Windows. Better security and reliability when dealing with XML documents.
MSI - Updated Windows Installer.
BITS 2.5 - Update to Background Intelligent Transfer Service which helps overall security.
IPSEC Simple Policy Update - Helps simplify the creation and maintenance of IPsec filters.
DIMS - Makes it possible to log on to any domain-joined computer to silent access all of their certificates and private keys for applications and services.
Peer Name Resolution Protocol 2.1 - Improved communication with Windows Vista programs that use PNRP.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) - Perhaps the one extra update that you will use! This update to Windows XP provides support for WPA2, the latest standards-based wireless security solution derived from the IEEE 802.11i standard.
"Black Hole" Router Protection - Improves black hole router protection.
Network Access Protocol (NAP) - Used to enforce security in Windows 2008 server environments.Most of you will not notice these updates as they are aimed at system administrators and software developers, however the main benefit is that it will install all previously released updates and hot fixes - ensuring your machine is as up-to-date and secure as possible.
Should I install it?
If you are running Windows XP then you should install this update when it becomes available.
How big is it?
The update is typically around 70 meg - but could be bigger depending on the updates currently installed.
How long does it take?
The entire update process should take less than half an hour. You will be required to reboot your PC after the update.
Why is this important?
Service Packs are cumulative, that is, they contain all previously released updates and hot fixes as well as some new updates. If your system has missed updates in the past, installing this new service pack will ensure your Windows XP PC is as up-to-date and secure as possible.
It is important to keep your PC up-to-date in order to protect yourself against intruders and viruses/malware and to keep your system as stable and trouble free as possible.
How do you get it?
On April 29th 2008 (~April 30th in Australia) Service Pack 3 will be made available via Windows Update. You can start the download by visiting the Windows Update website and checking for updates. You can access the Windows Update website here: http://update.microsoft.com (http://update.microsoft.com)
What else does Service Pack 3 contain?
As well as containing ALL previously released updates for Windows XP, the service pack will also contain the following additions to Windows XP...
MMC 3.0 - Used by system administrators in corporate networks.
MSXML 6.0 - An update to the XML components of Windows. Better security and reliability when dealing with XML documents.
MSI - Updated Windows Installer.
BITS 2.5 - Update to Background Intelligent Transfer Service which helps overall security.
IPSEC Simple Policy Update - Helps simplify the creation and maintenance of IPsec filters.
DIMS - Makes it possible to log on to any domain-joined computer to silent access all of their certificates and private keys for applications and services.
Peer Name Resolution Protocol 2.1 - Improved communication with Windows Vista programs that use PNRP.
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) - Perhaps the one extra update that you will use! This update to Windows XP provides support for WPA2, the latest standards-based wireless security solution derived from the IEEE 802.11i standard.
"Black Hole" Router Protection - Improves black hole router protection.
Network Access Protocol (NAP) - Used to enforce security in Windows 2008 server environments.Most of you will not notice these updates as they are aimed at system administrators and software developers, however the main benefit is that it will install all previously released updates and hot fixes - ensuring your machine is as up-to-date and secure as possible.
Should I install it?
If you are running Windows XP then you should install this update when it becomes available.
How big is it?
The update is typically around 70 meg - but could be bigger depending on the updates currently installed.
How long does it take?
The entire update process should take less than half an hour. You will be required to reboot your PC after the update.