Once in place, XP SP3 got along well with my existing hardware and software. Since I always update from a local network share when I’m dealing with multiple systems, this is a win-win as far as I’m concerned. When you upgrade from a network share or from a CD rather than by using Windows Update, you don’t need to re-enter the operating system key. There’s another change I really liked a lot-as someone who can never find a product key when he needs one or who mistypes it, given half a chance.

For instance, Wi-Fi networking now supports the new and improved WPA 2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access version 2) for security. It also brings existing protocols up to date. For example, it includes Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0 and Windows Installer 3.1. XP SP3 also makes some needed improvements to older management and security programs. For example, if the server requires a PC to have the latest patches installed, it won’t let the PC login until it has gotten those updates. It blocks any PC from joining a Server 2008-based active directory (AD) unless it meets the server’s security update policy standards. NAP, which works with Windows Server 2008, is a security checkup protocol. The one truly new XP SP3 feature is Network Access Protection (NAP).

Here’s what I’ve found in working with the pair over the last few months. That’s the best I can say for it.Įnough with generalities. In contrast: Windows Vista SP1 will finally run on one of my computers without any ongoing problems. Windows XP SP3 is the best Windows PC operating system I’ve ever used. The difference between the two operating systems plus service packs is like that between day and night. While I haven’t done any benchmarking with either one, I have lived and worked with both service packs. Once the update system is set to not upgrade systems with that software, Microsoft promises to turn the spigot back on for these service packs. At the moment, neither XP SP3 nor Windows Vista SP1 are available to the general public due to a problem with a Microsoft retail program. I’ve been running XP SP3 and Vista SP1 since they were in late beta. Now that Windows XP SP3 is arriving, is there really any good reason for a business to “upgrade” to Windows Vista? Ah … I can’t think of one.

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