Windows XP Finale - Service Pack 3

This service pack for Windows XP is believed to be the last for the most popular operating system in the Windows family. The update deals mostly with security issues and compliance with Windows Server 2008, the replacement for Windows Server 2003, and is applicable to all versions of XP. Microsoft has released Windows XP SP3 to manufacturing. The CD will include all previous updates to the OS. It should be available via automatic updates some time next month.

This latest service pack comes shortly before the scheduled end of life for the OS slated for June of this year. Standard support will continue through April of 2009 with limited support to 2014. This has already been extended once and maybe again if customers voice their preference for XP. Speaking last week at a conference in Belgium, Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer stated that

"XP will hit an end-of-life. We have announced one. If customer feedback varies, we can always wake up smarter, but right now, we have a plan for end-of-life for new XP shipments."

Many system builder would prefer to stay with XP for their customers. SP3 will allow them to stay with this OS a little longer.