Microsoft to release XP service pack shortly
By Redmond, Washington: | 31 Aug 2002
Redmond, Washington: Microsoft says it will release the first service pack for its Windows XP operating system on 9 September 2002, adding new security measures and features to comply with proposed federal orders, making it possible to remove certain programmes.
Microsoft says Windows XP Service Pack 1, which adds features and patches problems with the software, will be available either through download from the companys website or via a CD.
The company says the pack contains all the security updates it developed as part of the Trustworthy Computing initiative it launched earlier this year, which Microsoft chairman Bill Gates says has cost $100 million thus far.
The company has issued at least 30 security bulletins for its software since the launch of that programme. The service pack will also allow manufacturers and users to remove the companys Internet Explorer browser software and Windows Media Player, among other programmes, under the terms of a proposed consent decree Microsoft signed with the US Department of Justice and nine state attorneys general.