Windows XP SP3 RC2

this has been released to the public and is available from windows via the automatic updates if a patch is installed - details here

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

its still beta - so I am not recommending this, but the inclusion of it in the update programme probably means final release very soon..

there are reports of around 10% increase in speed/performance

I am not in a position to measure this - but I have been running SP3 RC2 for several days now, and the whole system is a lot smoother - radio streaming and realplayer 11 performance is better - the difference in quality and stability noticeable.
Not noticed any problems - but I don't game or push the envelope OS wise.

Was also amused by reports of Vista as 'Windows Millennium II' in certain quarters... when considering the implications of Vista SP1... but I don't run vista so for all I know that's just flannel... :D

XP SP3 release was April 1 2008 (an unfortunate date to choose :rolleyes: )
No longer an RC Beta

Available here

thanks steve :D

Steve - I've had a chance to look at the link you provided to the SP3 overview

Sorry if I described RC2 as beta if I shouldn't have

Look forward to seeing the final version in the updates before too long

Sledger, it looks like that is just an "overview" - a description of the sp3. The actual upgrade is not out yet, not that I know. I got the beta yesterday and so far everything is smooth here.

I didn't see a download link for the SP3 on your overview page link Steve. And I could only find an RC2 update on the MS site. Do you have a link to the final release?

I also wonder if that release would be for Win XP Media Center? Do you happen to know, or is there a separate release for that version of XP?

Thanks,

Ah - apologies guys - I skimped.