Microsoft Releases Windows 2000 SP4, Preps Windows XP SP2

On Thursday, Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, an update for the three-year-old operating system that supports USB 2.0 and 802.1X wireless support on the desktop.

It also offers increased security and an easier setup, according to a statement issued by Microsoft.

The service pack, which is designed for Windows 2000 Professional desktop and Windows 2000 Server/Advanced Server, also offers updated application and hardware compatibility, better reliability and an updated End User License Agreement that reportedly gives customers added control.

As part of the change to the "Automatic Internet-Based Services" licensing, for instance, users can turn off features they don't want enabled.

Meanwhile, Microsoft plans to release an update for Windows XP this summer that offers support for peer-to-peer technology, a Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed. One source, however, said the Windows XP Service Pack 2 will offer low-level support for P2P calls.