The WoW starts now?
Windows XP is good, it's very good. In fact, it's so good that most users don't see the need to switch from tried and tested XP to new and confusing Vista.
XP has shown no signs of moving over anytime soon and Microsoft continues its support for its older operating system by making available to all the release candidate of the third and final service pack.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 release candidate is available to download now via Microsoft's Download Center and weighs in at 336.1 MB. Please be aware that this update is in release candidate form and a final version is expected in the first half of 2008. Microsoft advise "we strongly encourage only those who are comfortable installing pre-release code to download Windows XP SP3".
The last service pack for Windows XP was made available in August 2004. Since the launch of Windows Vista however, Microsoft has been quick to downplay the significance of Windows XP and Service Pack 3, stating "Vista provides the most advanced security and management capabilities of any Windows operating system. Windows XP SP3 does not bring significant portions of Windows Vista functionality to Windows XP."
The latest HEXUS poll shows over 50% of voters claim themselves "not silly enough" to run Windows Vista whilst a further 15% would be willing to pay to downgrade to Windows XP. The votes don't make for pleasant reading for the folks over at Microsoft and Windows XP's third service pack will do little to encourage Vista adoption. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the final release of Windows XP Service Pack 3 just so happened to be delayed further into 2008.
Useful links
Download Windows XP Service Pack 3 release candidate
