Windows Xp Sp3

Microsoft updates Virtual PC, Server products

Paul Mah — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:08:53 -0400

Microsoft has improved both its Virtual PC 2007 and Virtual Server 2005 R2 products with service pack 1 updates. The new version now supports Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3 under both host and guest modes, and provides support for Windows Server 2008 Standard as a guest operating system. This update is proof that Microsoft is eager to ensure the continued popularity of its virtualization offerings, with more than 2 million downloads of Virtual PC 2007 to date. Ed Bott at ZDNet tried out Virtual PC 2007 SP1 and noted that its performance is much smoother now. So, if you already are a Virtual PC 2007 user, or previously have discarded Virtual PC because of performance issues, the SP1 update is a must download.

For more on Microsoft's virtualization products:
- check out this InfoWorld article

Microsoft green lights XP SP3 and Vista SP1

Mehan Jayasuriya — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:55:43 -0400

Been waiting with baited breath for Microsoft to resume downloads for Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1? Breathe a sigh of relief. The company apparently has managed to sort out those pesky Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) compatibility issues that kept the two service packs grounded for a week. XP SP3 is now available via both Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center, and automatic distribution of Vista SP1 has resumed. Go forth and upgrade, Microsofties.

To download and install the service packs:
- visit Microsoft TechNet

Faster CPUs on the way

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a means to eliminate nano flaws or minuscule defects in computer chips, a breakthrough that could improve chip performance and allow manufacturers to build more powerful and smaller processors. That's good news for CIOs. The industry has made great strides over the years, increasing performance and capacity, and this could be another leap forward, creating more flexibility and opportunities for IT departments. "We are able to achieve a precision and improvement far beyond what was previously thought achievable," said Stephen Chou, Princeton's Joseph C. Elgin professor of engineering.

For more on this development:
- See this CIO Magazine article

For more tech stories from the FierceCIO network:
> Quad-core CPU market heats up
> Windows XP SP3 and Internet Explorer
> BlackBerry 9000 gets reviewed

Vista SP1, XP SP3 delayed!

Mehan Jayasuriya — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:34:12 -0400

Uh oh. With Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3 both having been pushed out the door, most of us assumed that the long line of delays was over. Not so fast. Microsoft has been forced to postpone the release of both service packs, due to a compatibility issue with Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS), a management solution for small and midsize retail businesses. For the moment, the company has removed downloads for both service packs from its website, though it hopes to resume downloads once it can install a filtering system to prevent the service packs from being installed on machines running Microsoft RMS. "Once filtering is in place, we expect to release Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Download Center," a Microsoft spokesperson told PC Magazine.

For more on the delay:
- see this PC Magazine article

Windows XP SP3 available now

Mehan Jayasuriya — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:40 -0400

It's been a long and winding road, but we've finally arrived: Today Microsoft released Windows XP SP3 via its website, the last hurrah for the ill-fated OS. The final service pack contains some 1,100 hotfixes and patches, and even introduces a few new features to the 7-year-old operating system. While it's available now via Microsoft's website and Windows Update, it won't make its way out via Automatic Update until "early summer." The download weighs in at 316MB and appears to be a fairly painless install, based on the early reports we're hearing.

For more on XP SP3:
- see this DailyTech article
- and click here to download the service pack

Windows XP SP3: RTM, release on April 29th

Mehan Jayasuriya — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:07:28 -0400

You heard it here last week but now it's official: Windows XP SP3 has been released to manufacturing and will be available via Microsoft's website on Tuesday, April 29, with Automatic Update to follow suit in "early summer." In a TechNet posting, Chris Keroack, Microsoft release manager for XP SP3 writes, "Windows XP SP3 bits are now working their way through our manufacturing channels to be available to OEM and Enterprise customers. We are also in the final stages of preparing for release to the web (i.e. you!) on April 29th, via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Online documentation for Windows XP SP3, such as Microsoft Knowledge Base articles and the Microsoft TechNet Windows XP TechCenter, will be updated then."

For more on XP SP3's impending release:
- see this TechNet post