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Postponed from 2006 to 2007, as Microsoft resources focused almost exclusively on wrapping up the Windows Vista client, and then delayed yet again into 2008, with the deadline set by the summer of this year, Windows XP Service Pack 3 is long overdue, and at the same time in its final stages of development.
At the end of December 2007, the Redmond company opened up the testing process of XP SP3 and made available for download a public Release Candidate. The Standalone Update Package for Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release Candidate weighs in at just 336.1 MB and was dropped via the Microsoft Download Center.
Not surprisingly, although it was mute for the most part of 2007 on both Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3, the Redmond company is favoring, in terms of information disclosure, its latest Windows client. Starting at the end of 2007, Microsoft managed to become extremely chatty about Vista SP1. Not so much about XP SP3. The reason is of course understandable. Vista, made available but a year ago, is pushed to the foreground, with XP left to eXPire in the background.
But although Microsoft is talking very little about XP SP3, there are quite a few details about the upcoming service pack. You will be able to find some of the most popular issues related to Windows XP SP3 in the FAQ below. If there are any additional matters you would like answered, related to XP SP3, please leave a comment and I'll get right on it.
1. What are the supported operating systems for XP SP3?
Windows XP; Windows XP Home Edition; Windows XP Home Edition N; Windows XP Media Center Edition; Windows XP Professional Edition; Windows XP Professional N; Windows XP Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. But only the 32-bit versions of the operating systems enumerated above. And also only XP SP1 and XP SP2. Microsoft no longer supports the RTM version of XP, and this rule is also valid for XP SP3.
2. Is Windows XP x64 supported by XP SP3?
No. XP SP3 is addressed exclusively at the x86 versions of Windows XP. In the first half of 2007, Microsoft serviced both Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with the release of Windows Server 2003 SP2.
3. Is XP SP3 an equivalent of Windows Vista/Vista SP1?
No. In the company's own words: "Microsoft is not adding significant functionality from newer versions of Windows, such as Windows Vista, to Windows XP through XP SP3."
4. Is XP SP3 a repeat of XP SP2?
No. Service Pack 2 for XP was an unique release for Microsoft. In contrast, SP3 will be noting more than a standard service pack. "Other companies would have called this a major release and charged money for it", stated Jim Allchin, the former Co-President, Platforms & Services Division, just a week ahead of his retirement from Microsoft, referring to XP SP2.
5. Do I have to wait for the RTM version of XP SP3 or can I get a taste of the service pack ahead of the final version?
Microsoft is offering a standalone version of Windows XP SP3 RC for download. However, users have to understand that despite the Release Candidate label and the proximity to RTM, XP SP3 RC is still a beta and should only be deployed into testing environments.
6. Does XP SP3 Release Candidate come with an expiration date?
Yes. All of the Redmond company's testing development milestones are time-bombed. This is also valid for XP SP3 RC, or any of its predecessor alpha builds. The expiration date is set for 180 days since the release. Users of the current beta releases of XP SP3 can open a Run dialog box, type "winver" and hit Enter. In the About Windows panel that will open, look for the expiration date associated with the evaluation copy of XP SP3.
7. How much will XP SP3 impact XP SP2?
Expect little and you won't be disappointed. The XP SP3 evolution will happen mainly under the hood, in terms of performance, security, and stability. SP3 will make available in a single package all the security updates, hotfizes and out-of-band updates, along with only a few minor enhancements. Users will not be able to see any modifications in terms of the graphical user interface and functionality. The few extra features added will only superficially affect user experience.
8. Are parts of XP SP3 already available as standalone downloads?
Yes. A few fragments of XP SP3 can already be accessed by XP SP2 users, but Microsoft will include them into the third and final service pack for XP. The features include the MMC 3.0 framework, MSXML6, Windows Installer 3.1, Background Intelligent Transfer Service 2.5, IPsec Simple Policy Update for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, Digital Identity Management Service, Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) 2.1 and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2).
9. Is Microsoft including parts of Windows Vista into XP SP3?
Yes. XP SP3, just as Vista, will include "Black Hole" Router detection, Network Access Protection (in view of the upcoming release of Windows Server 2008), Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module and enhanced security for Administrator and Service policy entries. Microsoft will also revamp the information associated with the Security Options User Interface. And on top of it all, XP SP3 will feature the same product activation architecture as Windows Vista.
10. With the activation changes of XP SP3 will users need new product keys?
No. XP SP3 can be deployed on top of XP SP1 and XP SP2 with absolutely no issues. Users will not be required to enter, or re-enter their product key, or to re-activate the operating system. Furthermore, when performing a clean install of the XP SP3, users will have the possibility to deploy the operating system without entering a product key during installation. But they will have to deliver a product key by the end of the 30-day Initial Grace period and activate XP SP3.
source: news.softpedia.com
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Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) FAQ
Is Microsoft Cracking Down on DVD Ripping?
Is Microsoft trying to thwart DVD-ripping on PCs using Windows Vista with the new beta of Vista Service Pack 1?
As I tested the public beta release of Vista SP1, I noticed the update crippled a popular DVD cracking program called DVD43.
DVD43 is a free utility that disables a DVD's Content Scramble System (CSS) copy protection technology. Once a DVD's copy protection is disabled, you can copy its content using one of several third-party programs. You may be using DVD43 and not realize it, because it often is the engine of other ripping programs.
When I updated my Windows Vista operating system with the beta of Vista SP1, DVD43 wouldn't load. Instead, I saw an error message about a missing driver--even after I uninstalled and then reinstalled DVD43. A colleague of mine had a similar experience on a PC that also had been updated with the latest beta release of Vista SP1.
Stripping DVD copy protection (CSS) from a DVD is illegal but many people do it.
I've made formal requests for comment from Microsoft and the company behind DVD43. So far, I've heard nothing back. I'll let you know what either say, if and when they reply.
Intentional?
It's hard to say whether Microsoft is intentionally disabling DVD43. Certainly the software giant doesn't mention anything about DVD copying in its documentation for the beta of Vista SP1. But given Microsoft's interest in making friendly with Hollywood movie studios, it wouldn't surprise me if Microsoft intentionally disabled a popular and free tool that aids in ripping DVDs.
DVD43--and programs like it--have long been a thorn in the side for Hollywood, as DVD-ripping is one of the first steps in cracking and distributing copyright-protected movies online.
Despite the Motion Picture Association of America's efforts to crack down on DVD-ripping and despite U.S. copyright laws that make it illegal, sales of software that bypass DVD copy protection continue online and at retail stores.
Many of these DVD programs have been, and still are, sold by major retailers. However, when purchased, some of the programs can't copy DVDs equipped with copy protection. You must use an Internet search engine to find and download a program, such as DVD43, that empowers your DVD copy program to duplicate the contents of any CSS-protected DVD.
It's my experience in reporting past stories on DVD-ripping that many DVD-ripping programs recommend DVD43 to their customers. DVD43.com, a Web site that lists download sites for DVD43 as well as the DVD-ripping packages it works with, is owned by a company based in Beijing, China, according to Internet domain registration records.
In further tests, I did find that at least one other popular DVD utility, AnyDVD, which promises to "unprotect encrypted movie DVDs," did work with the beta of Vista SP1 installed--as its product description asserts. However, this is not free software: It will cost you 49 Euros, or about $72.
At least for now, it appears that casual DVD rippers will be stymied if they choose to update their Vista PCs with the Vista SP1 beta--and that those who want SP1 and copies of their Hollywood DVDs will have to pay up to keep ripping.
source: blogs.pcworld.com
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New attack code crashes Windows XP & Vista
Security researchers have released attack code that will crash Windows XP and Vista PCs that are susceptible to a recently patched bug in the operating system.
The code was released yesterday to security professionals who use Immunity's Canvas computer security testing software. It causes the Windows system to crash but does not let the attacker run malicious software on the victim's system. It is not available to the general public.
"It reliably crashes Windows machines," said Dave Aitel, Immunity's chief technology officer. "In fact, it blue-screened our print server by accident - this is a broadcast attack, after all."
That's the biggest concern for security experts who worry that a more dangerous attack may soon follow as researchers dig further into the vulnerability. The bug is particularly troublesome for two reasons. First, it affects a widely used Windows component that is turned on by default. Worse, no user interaction is required to trigger the flaw, meaning that it could be exploited in a self-copying worm attack.
Microsoft patched the flaw in its MS08-001 update, released last week, but it takes time for enterprise users to test and install Microsoft's patches.
The flaw lies in the way Windows processes networking traffic that uses Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and the Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) protocol, which are used to send data to many systems at the same time. The protocols are used by a range of applications including messaging, web conferencing and software distribution products.
For a worm attack to work, the attacker would have to send specially crafted packets to a victim's machine, which could then allow the attacker to run unauthorised code on the PC. The worm could then spread from computer to computer within a LAN, but would generally be stopped from travelling to another network by a firewall.
A reliable exploit could be combined with malicious botnet software, giving attackers a way to widen the size of their networks of infected computers. The flaw is rated critical for Windows XP and Vista systems, according to Microsoft.
After patching the flaw, Microsoft published some technical research indicating that it would be hard for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability.
But Aitel believes that Microsoft may have overestimated how difficult it would be to create reliable attack code. Because it could spread so quickly through a network, a reliable exploit "is going to be worth the effort," Aitel said. "You can be assured lots of smart people are working on it."
source: pcadvisor.co.uk
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Nokia 6500 slide Review
Fully aware that its own developed Symbian operating system is not a perfect one, Nokia offers users devices with its newly launched S40 5th Edition.
The latter is a much more user friendly and it seems that also 'lacks' the bugs and glitches that have been so much present in Nokia's Symbian OS. Normally, that should translate into a more stable and speedy functionality with no more lockups and freezes. Lately, it 'rained' with Nokia S40 handsets, and some of these were really huge market successes (see Nokia 6300). The two Nokia 6500 versions – slide and classic – even if they don't look similar and have different specs, still feature the same S40 5th Edition user interface. Despite the fact that Nokia is still the number one handset manufacturer, it still has to work a little on developing more stable software for its devices.
Announced in May 2007 together with its Classic twin, Nokia 6500 Slide has been launched on the market in September 2007. As a mid-level phone, the handset can be bought for only $450 USD without a contract.
Design
Nokia 6500 slide is far from being flawless in terms of design. Unfortunately, there are things that you are able to discover only after you buy and use the device. Better read further and understand what you should and should not expect from this slider. Keep your money or go buy some other device if you're looking for of the features that this handset misses.
The first thing that you'll notice the moment you get your hands on a Nokia 6500 slide is its weight. The slider is 'unpredictably' heavy, especially because it has been covered by a metal case. If you don't like heavy mobile phones, then this little slider is not for you. Moreover, the handset measures 96.5 x 46.5 x 16.4 mm and weighs around 125 grams (battery included). The phone looks very small, common in sleekness, but as I have stated above, it's impossibly heavy, so you should be really worried of the pocket you insert it in.
Display and Camera
Nokia 6500 slide features the same 2.2'' TFT display as its twin brother, Nokia 6500 classic. The screen supports 16 Million colors and a standard resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Even if it didn't scored too much on different benchmarks, the screen is simply breathtaking.
source: news.softpedia.com
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Mac OS X vs. Linux - Red Hat vs. Windows 98 and Above Including Windows Vista
Microsoft's Windows operating system came on top out of three different alternative platforms including Mac OS X, Linux (Red Hat), and Solaris 8/9/10, in terms of the volume of holes it contains.
Taking into consideration that when it comes down to security vulnerabilities less is actually more, various versions of Windows, from Windows 98 to Windows Vista account for fewer flaws than direct rivals Mac OS X and Linux. Although in the past, Jeff Jones, Security Strategy Director in Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing group, has played the operating system vulnerability counting game and the results were disputed due to his affiliation with the Redmond company, this time around its independent security company Secunia doing all the counting.
"Red Hat was found to have the most number of vulnerabilities (633), with 99% (629 vulnerabilities) due to third-party components. Solaris, which had a total of 252 vulnerabilities, came next and had 80% (201) due to third-party components. Apple Mac OS X came third with 235, 62% (146) of which is due to third-party components. Fourth came Windows with 123, but with only 4% due to third-party software. Last came HP-UX with 75 vulnerabilities, 81% (61) of which are due to third-party software," Secunia revealed.
Well, the fact of the matter is that, with the exception of HP-UX 10.x/11.x which had just 75 security vulnerabilities, although Windows was found to be impacted by only 123 flaws, the vast majority of holes were in the actual operating system namely 118, and only 5 in third-party software. This is not valid for Mac OS X and Linux (Red Hat with the exception of Fedora). Mac OS X was affected directly only by 89 vulnerabilities out of the total 235, while Red Hat by just 4 out of 633. "These figures should not be misinterpreted in any way to determine the "most secure" operating system. A straightforward counting of the number of vulnerabilities should be interpreted merely as that: the number of vulnerabilities affecting a particular operating system," Secunia added.
source: news.softpedia.com
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The Growth of the Windows Registry from 16-bit Windows to XP SP3 and Vista SP1
The Windows registry has been around since the 16-bit editions of Windows, and will continue to be a key component of the operating system even after Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Widows XP Service Pack 3, and even after Windows 7.
However, this does not mean that the registry, as well as additional Windows components, have stood still. The registry has in fact evolved along with the Windows platform. At this point in time, with both XP SP3 and Vista SP1 closing in to their respective RTM dates, Microsoft has not informed of registry changes to be implemented with the two service packs.
One illustrative example in this case is the growth of the registry hive. "Back in 16-bit Windows, the registry was a very different beast. Originally, the only registry hive was HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, and the only things it was used for were COM object registration and file type registration. (Prior to the registry, file type registration was done in WIN.INI, and the only verb you could register for was "open".) The registry was stored in a single file, REG.DAT, which could not exceed 64KB in size," explained Microsoft's Raymond Chen.
The registry hive has expanded considerably since just the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. Now, operating systems, such as Vist,a feature standard hives such as HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESAM, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESecurity, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftware, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystem and HKEY_USERSDEFAULT. "A hive is a group of keys, subkeys, and values in the registry that has a set of supporting files containing backups of its data. The setup phase of the Windows boot process automatically retrieves data from these supporting files," Microsoft informed.
The registry is a central hierarchical database specific to a variety of Windows operating systems, playing a critical role in storing information related to user accounts, installed programs and the hardware infrastructure, as well as the configuration of the operating system. One aspect of the registry that Microsoft might scrap from Vista SP1 to Windows 7 is Registry Virtualization.
"Registry virtualization is an application compatibility technology that enables registry write operations that have global impact to be redirected to per-user locations. This redirection is transparent to applications reading from or writing to the registry. It is supported starting with Windows Vista. This form of virtualization is an interim application compatibility technology; Microsoft intends to remove it from future versions of the Windows operating system as more applications are made compatible with Windows Vista," Microsoft added.
source: news.softpedia.com
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Windows 7 debut in 2009? Another reason to skip Vista
If Windows 7 really is scheduled to make an appearance during the second half of 2009, does this mean that making the move to Vista is now a pointless effort?
TG Daily claim to have uncovered a roadmap for Windows 7 whichWindows 7 debut in 2009? Another reason to skip Vista suggests that Windows 7 is being fast-tracked:
Several industry sources have confirmed to TG Daily that a very early version of Windows 7, previously code-named Blackcomb Vienna, already has been shipped to “key partners” as a “Milestone 1? (M1) code drop for validation purposes. A roadmap received by TG Daily indicates that the new operating system will be introduced in the second half of 2009.
While it has generally been believed that Windows 7 was scheduled for a 2010 debut, Microsoft has revised the roadmap and apparently moved up the release date by a few months: A recently distributed roadmap of the OS lists a release to manufacturing in H2 2009. Microsoft declined to comment on this date.
So this presents a dilemma for those who’ve not yet made the switch from XP to Vista. With 7 on the horizon, is it worth the time, effort and money making the switch when chances are that Microsoft will be pushing for another switch in a couple of years? But for those who have made the leap to Vista, these people could be looking at seeing a beta for 7 being available in a year or so.
My best guess here (combined with a little asking around) is that this roadmap is real and that Microsoft is speeding up development on Windows 7. It’s also highly probably that this is down to the fact that some customers have made it clear that they’re happy to stick with XP until the next version is released.
Trying to figure out what customers will want from Windows 7 isn’t easy. Judging by the feedback I’ve been coming across, Windows 7 will need to be faster than Vista, more robust, present the user with fewer compatibility hassles (note that TG Daily claim that Milestone 1 shipped in both x86 and x64 versions - an indication that support for 32-bit will continue) and not hammer system resources as much as Vista does. Oh, and it should be packed with compelling features to make the upgrade worthwhile. That could be a pretty tough call.
But what does this mean for Vista? Well, I’m ready to bet that Windows Ultimate Extras are history. I’d also be surprised if we see an SP2 for Vista before Windows 7 is released, especially if Microsoft is pulling out all the stops for 7. Vista feels more and more like a stop-gap between XP and 7.
What would you want from Windows 7?
source: blogs.zdnet.com
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