XP Service Pack Three Now Released

[Boggy1 45]

A couple of hours ago, Microsoft released Microsoft Windows Service Pack Three (SP3) to their download servers. The two past service packs have, over the years, delivered several critical security and performance updates. SP3 is no exception, showing a 10% increase in performance in several key programmes on benchmark machines.

The file isn't exactly small; the English version I'm downloading is 316mb. But it does include all security releases, hotfixes, and updates since SP2 back in 2004. This new service pack can be downloaded onto a clean machine.

Windows 64x users will have to wait for the Windows Server 2003 update; to be released probably later in the month.

Hopefully this will make XP an operating system that will be used for many years to come; even though Microsoft is scheduled to stop supplying it to sellers and manufactures entirely in June.

Anyway, head over to this link to download SP3 English, or here for other language options.

Myself, I wont upgrade to Vista until I am forced to. My local computer shop refuses to stock Vista, and apparently will be following the 'downgrade' option Microsoft has provided; allowing them to wipe Vista off new machines and replace them with XP Professional.

[Bumdark 3]

Wow, FINALLY! I was beginning to think all their effort was in making Vista just a little less crappy and glitchy... Glad to see they haven't yet foresaken the XP community. I'm getting this right as I type this... Heck, all those updates...

[SimRabbit 48]

Wait, I tought it was delayed to May 2nd.

[TV-VCR 14]

XP is nearing it's end of life. I can't really remember but it's in June or July that XP's sales are halted.

Of course, for LTS it ends in 2014. But by then XP would probably resemble what we now think of DOS.

[coolotter88 2]

they need a service pack for the Vista sp1, I hear there are problems while installing it, i downloaded it but I haven't installed it yet

[TV-VCR 14]

Originally posted by: coolotter88 they need a service pack for the Vista sp1, I hear there are problems while installing it, i downloaded it but I haven't installed it yetquote>

Worked perfectly fine for me. The problems were largely from end users trying to install it before the rest of the kinks were worked out.

[simsmart 1]

Personally I don't see why people complain about vista. Computer nerds who can't take change. lol

[coolotter88 2]

they killed SP3 btw, it's not releasing today, though it will be very soon.

[screamingman12 30]

The link still works for anyone who is interested, I'm downloading it now.

[Voar Tok 4]

Originally posted by: simsmart Personally I don't see why people complain about vista. Computer nerds who can't take change. lolquote>

Well, would you like this computer nerd to start naming off all the problems he's had with Vista that weren't an issue with XP?

[coolotter88 2]

like playing 16 bit games!

[screamingman12 30]

Installed great, runs smoothly.

[TV-VCR 14]

Originally posted by: coolotter88 like playing 16 bit games!quote>

Emulators! Heck, maybe a virtual PC that you can install 95 on.

screamingman12: Glad it worked out fine.

[screamingman12 30]

Originally posted by: TV-VCR

Originally posted by: coolotter88 like playing 16 bit games!quote>

Emulators! Heck, maybe a virtual PC that you can install 95 on.

quote>

why bother with that, just run the game in Windows 95 compatibility mode.

[SimRabbit 48]

Windows XP SP3 is now available through Automatic Updates

Thanks godness we don't have to pay for this update unlike MACs.

[Zelgadis 638]

Originally posted by: SimRabbit Windows XP SP3 is now available through Automatic Updates

Thanks godness we don't have to pay for this update unlike MACs.quote>

What are you talking about?  My OS updates are free, just like yours. 

Apple releases a new OS roughly every 2 years.  The updates for each version are free.  I downloaded a total of 11 free updates for my copy of 10.4.  Constantly improving perfection. 

ISF

[jacqulina 162]

does anyone know if service pck 3 is ok,caus i just got offered it in updates,not sure about it though thanks.

[SimRabbit 48]

It is completely ok. I tried it out myself and it works.

Zelgadis: then why did Apple charged for the 802.11n update for MacBooks and $20 for 5 new apps for the Ipod Touch?

Soon Apple will start charging for their OS X updates.  They can get all the money they want from the Apple fanboy because they are willing to dop any penny on even the worthless crap Apple produces (Apple TV).

[Zelgadis 638]

Originally posted by: SimRabbit It is completely ok. I tried it out myself and it works.

Zelgadis: then why did Apple charged for the 802.11n update for MacBooks and $20 for 5 new apps for the Ipod Touch? quote>

Seems that certain kinds of updates are required to have charges.  I don't know why, but accounting analysts seem to agree that to be the case.

Quote:

It turns out Apple didn’t have much of a choice about charging for the iPod touch January software update, according to analysts familiar with accounting regulations.

“It’s an accounting requirement that if you upgrade a device that’s not on a subscription, you have to charge,” Needham and Company financial analyst Charles Wolf said.

And if they had to do it, I hardly feel that $1.99 for an 802.11n update is a major inconvenience.  It's a token fee.  I can't say I understand what makes one device different from another device in this sense or how they make such distinctions in regards to whether or not it can be "free," but it seems that nobody who understands the issues here disagrees. 

As for new apps, well, that's "apps," not "updates."  It's the same with any computer.  If I buy a new computer, and the next model comes with new apps, I'd most likely have to pay for them.  If I bought a car and the next year the car had an extra set of speakers, I hardly think the manufacturer is going to put extra speakers in mine for free.

Soon Apple will start charging for their OS X updates.quote>

News to me.  But if it's a token fee, like the $1.99 802.11n update, no biggie.  Not that I understand accounting, but the specialists seem to agree that's what needs to happen now.  I've got no problems with token fees if that's what all the accounting specialists say they have to do.

  They can get all the money they want from the Apple fanboy because they are willing to dop any penny on even the worthless crap Apple produces (Apple TV).quote>

  Would you like some NyQuil and a pillow?  Somebody needs a nap...

Anyway, you may continue with this silliness if you like.  As for me, I've already gone way off the intended subject of this thread as it is and I see no reason to continue responding to anti-Mac fanatics.

ISF

[coolotter88 2]

ZOMG PROOFZ

you're willing to drop a penny for anything Apple produces.

[SimRabbit 48]

coolotter, lol

but seriously Sony doesn't charge for their firmware updates. And they have added many features to their PSP like Skype, Web Browser and other stuff for Free.

Apple just wants your money.

[Silur 3,301]

I work excellent with XP SP2 with Dr.Web and Outpost Firewall (with Paragon Exact Image too) about 2 years - I haven't any problems ...

I don't want green Vista and Windows SP3 now .... Foolish money for poor products - no more ....

[SimRabbit 48]

Dude Silur, XP SP3 is free. I recommend you try it. If you don't like it you can remove it. Smple as that.

[Silur 3,301]

Hi, SimRabbit - Thank You very much ...

But I think this is (SP3) non helpful thing - and I saw this about June of 2007 in Russia .... ( may be first Edition for Russia - I don't know ...).

My mind - Microsoft can't close all holes in Windows XP and Vista too ...

And I think - this is a blind thing for my Windows XP with SP2 today ... I haven't any problems with Internet, Internet Spam, viruses and others ...

Great Paragon Exact Image help solve me ALL PROBLEMS .... simple thing = Windows can't see this program !!!

 And I see a great work Windows with Paragon for me today ....

[beebs 129]

Originally posted by: SimRabbitbut seriously Sony doesn't charge for their firmware updates. And they have added many features to their PSP like Skype, Web Browser and other stuff for Free.

quote>

Well they've gotta do something to make up for their crummy products.

[jacqulina 162]

thanks i installed it now it seems ok.