Microsoft releases SP3 for Windows XP

Microsoft Corp. is finally through with the final version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 and confirmed that it has been released to PC manufacturers right on the scheduled time. The upgrade allocates support for WPA2 and the Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) used in Windows Vista, and various other things.

After the release of SP2 in August 2004, it took quite a long gap for Microsoft to release the highly awaited but certain-to-be-the-last service pack, since it has been largely concentrating on Vista.

Taking an early appraise of SP3, it is found that the upgrade is mostly about patches and fixes and also other updates which were released by Microsoft in increments. It transforms in to an advancement of the compatibility, security, and performance.

Vista, however has some exclusive features as the SP3 has not been equipped with any of those apart from Network Access Protection (NAP), which lets XP systems work with Windows Server 2008's ability to enforce system health requirements before allowing access to network assets

The SP3 has BITS 2.5, which is required by Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and Windows Live OneCare and Windows Installer 3.1 with new and enhanced functionality and the Digital Identity Management Service (DIMS).

Windows XP SP3 will be available via Windows Update as a 70MB download and at Microsoft Download Center as a full installation weighing in at 580MB.

It will work with any of the XP editions and can be installed on top of SP1 or SP2. However, it is not compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows XP.

Microsoft said SP3 would be made available on Windows Update, starting April 29 and enable users to install patches for Windows XP.