XP SP3 Beta Preview Out, Last Update to XP

Microsoft sent out an e-mail to Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 beta testers, announcing the arrival of the Windows XP Service Pack 3 Beta Preview. Microsoft reiterated that this will be the final update for the aging operating system, which debuted in 2001.

No new features are planned for what is essentially a roll-up of existing updates. As Windows XP nears its end-of-life, Microsoft can ensure customers are up-to-date by telling them to upgrade to SP3, as opposed to SP2 with over one hundred additional patches. Final availability of XP SP3 is scheduled for the first half of 2008.