Windows XP Updates: The Favorite OS Continues to Soar High

One of the most popular operating systems, Windows XP, just gets better. Today, there is more than one edition that you can pick, each carrying features that will fit any professional or average PC user.

But what kinds of updates can you expect from Windows XP? Here are the following:

Service Pack 2

The Service Pack 2 of Windows XP includes its own Windows Security Center, which provides automatic updates into your PC. This means you no longer have to proceed to the Support Center of Microsoft just to upgrade your computer with latest patches, hotfixes, and even interesting add-ons. It also gives you an idea about the current status of your anti-virus software, your firewall, as well as Windows Update.

The Service Pack 2 of Windows XP saw the light of day at least 3 years ago. Nicknamed Springboard, its main focus is to provide utmost security to your operating system. This is in response to the never-ending complaints of Windows PC users that their system becomes a prime target for malware, spyware, and other malicious programs.

To show its commitment to protecting your computer against viruses, you can expect the following updates from your Service Pack 2:

1. Enhanced Firewall. You need a firewall into your system to protect it from harmful attacks of adware and viruses. Windows XP has its own firewall. This way, you don’t have to choose any program that you aren’t sure of.

2. WiFi Support. This gives you the ability to connect to the Internet without having to depend on cables. With WiFi, you can bring your laptop in any area where there’s WiFi signal. To help you set up, it also contains its own wizard utility.

3. Pop-up Ad Blocker. Do you know how annoying pop-up ads can be? Definitely, you don’t want them to interfere with your Internet experience. However, their effect can be more than that. There are also unsuspecting spyware that present themselves as pop-up ads. They can steal any confidential information that are stored in your computer. With the latest service pack, you’re assured that you can prevent them from coming into your PC. It goes together with the newest version of Internet Explorer.

Around August 2007, Microsoft just released an update for the Windows XP’s Service Pack 2. It’s being referred to as Service Pack 2c. Though this update is only minor, it’s their response to the clamor of Windows XP distributors. It turns out there are lesser product keys that are made available to them. Those that can take advantage of this are those with Windows XP Professional and Professional N editions.

Service Pack 3

No, this is not yet available, but this is a Windows XP update that you have to watch out for. Microsoft today has been trying really hard to keep juicy details from coming out, but it doesn’t stop Windows enthusiasts and critics to find ways and means to talk about it.

SP3 has been around for quite awhile now, only that it’s been pushed to the side when Microsoft decided to focus on Windows Vista rather than an update on Windows XP.

One can look forward to an update in MS Windows XP sometime in 2008. Majority of the changes that one can see on the Windows XP Service Pack 3 will revolve around Internet Explorer as well as Windows Media Player. There will also be changed that have to be delivered to the Windows Live Messenger, its own instant messenger.

How to Install Updates

Microsoft makes it very easy for you to install upgrades into your PC. Normally, Windows XP has set the updates on automatic, so it will immediately download and affect changes into your PC, especially in its major components. You can also have the opportunity to schedule the updates, if you don’t like to be bothered by them. Sometimes they can slow down the speed of your PC.

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