So here is an overview of the new service pack for Windows XP. Service Pack 3 contains all previously released XP updates, which includes security patches, hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases. There isn't going to be any significant functionality additions, particularly regarding features found in Vista, that will be added to Windows XP or SP3. The user experience of Windows XP will not change and should not change user interaction. SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7, but it will contain hotfixes and security fixes for both IE 7 and 6. The installation will detect which version of the browser is installed and install the security fixes based on the version installed.
Windows XP SP3 is a cumulative update, which means that it can be installed on top of Windows XP SP1 and SP2. Also, tools and guidance for administrators has not changed from SP2 to SP3. The goals for this release are to provide a new baseline for customers still deploying Windows XP, to help them avoid the inconvenience of applying individual updates as well as provide them with a way to fill the gaps in the updates that users may have missed by declining individual updates and to deliver updates not available through Windows Update.
Seems to me like a very nice way to let update the out-of-date clients that are traveling all the time without too much inconvenience. At least for now....
Signing off,
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