Microsoft To Release Windows XP Service Pack 1

Microsoft

The update will be the first for Windows XP since the operating system was launched last October. The Windows XP Service Pack 1 includes traditional bug fixes plus important security patches and code from Microsoft's TrustWorthy Computing initiative.

In addition, the Windows XP Service Pack 1 will incorporate new user-interface features required under the proposed settlement between Microsoft and the U.S. government as part of the antitrust case against the software giant. The changes will allow OEMs and consumers to easily remove access to Microsoft's Web software--including Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, Outlook Express and its Java virtual machine--and use competing applications. The service pack also features a new dialog box with four buttons to enable easy configuration using Microsoft Web software, non-Microsoft software or a customized mix of software. One of the buttons also allows OEMs to configure the desktop.

Although the U.S. District Court at press time hadn't issued a final judgment on the remedies and penalties that Microsoft will ultimately face, the software vendor is proceeding with the proposed settlement.

The Windows XP Service Pack 1 also offers support for Microsoft's upcoming Tablet PC OS and the Freestyle and Mira technologies slated to be incorporated into the Windows XP Media Center and Windows Powered Smart Display, respectively. The Windows XP code support for those technologies, however, is designed for OEMs--not end users, according to Microsoft. Microsoft released a beta version of Windows XP Service Pack 1 last June.