August release for Windows XP SP2

[Nomad559]

August release for Windows XP SP2

Service Pack 2

-Snip-

Microsoft expects to finish work on Service Pack 2 for Windows XP next month, with the much-anticipated security focused update available to users shortly after that.

The delivery will start with the launch of the latest version of Windows Update, called Windows Update Version 5, which will include smart downloading technology which will allow users to interrupt the large SP2 download and resume it later, especially useful for users of dial-up internet connections.

Although Microsoft has called Windows XP SP2 a service pack, analysts have said that the update really is more comparable to a Windows upgrade.

SP2 contains bug fixes and updates, but it also offers new features and makes significant changes to the Windows software in four main areas: network protection, memory protection, e-mail security and browsing security.

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Microsoft to distribute XP SP2 on one million CDs

SP2 on one million CDs

-Snip-

One million copies of Windows XP SP2 will be distributed on CD by Microsoft to make it easier for those without broadband to install the 80MB update.

Microsoft will encourage dial-up users to update their Windows XP systems with Service Pack 2 by distributing the update on one million CDs in the UK.

SP2 for Windows XP is a major upgrade for Microsoft's desktop operating system. It has been designed to vastly improve the overall security of XP and make it easier for users to control their security settings.

However, SP2 is expected to be at least 80MB in size and could be as large as 120MB, said Paul Randle, Windows client product manager at Microsoft UK.

According to Randle, Microsoft's primary distribution channel will be over the Internet, but the company will be targeting dial-up users by offering to send a copy of SP2 in the post on a CD, free of charge. Additionally, the company has cut deals with numerous computer magazines to distribute the update on their cover CDs.

[myomy]

1. Wonder if they will ever catch up with the Mac OS?

.

[benburch]

2. Never.

The culture of doing things right the first time just does not exist in Redmond.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. Wonder if they will ever catch up with the Mac OS?

Why... how big are their service pack/upgrade thingies??

Here is one for the security experts. If you have two.. count 'em two installs of Win2k on the same drive... or on multiple drives within the same machine.... AND you create the administrator account for one.. you can cruise all of the contents of the other install... no problem. I did it over three years ago... I wonder if they have fixed this yet.

GW says.... don't mess with Texas...

[Nomad559]

4. Apple charges US$129 for security fix

Unlike Microsoft, Apple charges you for security fixes.

:evilgrin:

http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/0,2000061744,20280282,00.htm

The operating system, OS X 10.3, or Panther, is priced at US$129.