Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack Provides Enhanced User Experience

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 30, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing of Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), a package of updates for Windows XP, the company’s most advanced and fastest-selling Windows licenses. Windows XP SP1 brings enhanced security, reliability and compatibility to business and home users. Windows XP Service Pack 1 will be available to the general public Monday, Sept. 9.

“Microsoft is always focused on improving the reliability and security of Windows for our customers, and Service Pack 1 is the latest delivery on our commitment to those customers,” said Jim Allchin, group vice president for the Platforms Products Group at Microsoft. “Windows XP is the most secure and dependable operating system we have ever produced, but our work doesn’t end when we ship the product. Windows XP Service Pack 1, along with services such as Windows Update, are examples of how we help customers keep their PCs updated with the latest and greatest technology.”

Windows XP SP1 Provides Enhanced Security

Windows XP SP1 includes all of the security patches available via Windows Update. It also contains all updates resulting from the Windows code review conducted earlier this year as part of the Trustworthy Computing initiative.

In addition to the traditional service pack updates, Windows XP SP1 delivers the required changes of the proposed consent decree signed with the U.S. Department of Justice and nine state attorneys general. The changes allow both computer manufacturers and users to remove end-user access to Microsoft Internet Explorer browser software, Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, Outlook Express and Microsoft’s Java virtual machine. This is just one of many components of the compliance effort undertaken by Microsoft since the consent decree was signed in November 2001.

Windows XP: The Foundation for the Future

Windows XP will serve as the basis for several new and exciting Microsoft products designed to extend users’ experiences. Those products include the following:

  • Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Software for a business-focused mobile PC with additional Tablet functionality that allows mobile users to take handwritten notes in meetings and on the go

  • Windows XP Media Center Edition. Software for a media-focused desktop PC for the home that allows users to access their digital media files from anywhere in the room using a new user interface and a remote control

  • Windows Powered Smart Display. The evolution of the PC monitor that will allow consumers to wirelessly connect to their Windows XP-based PC, liberating them from their desk and empowering them with more-convenient access – anywhere in the home -to the information, applications and services they enjoy most

Windows XP SP1 Availability

Windows XP SP1 will be available to the general public Monday, Sept. 9, on the Windows XP Web site via download or CD fulfillment.

Windows XP is the fastest-selling Windows licenses, with retail and OEM sales topping 46 million as of the end of June, just nine months after launch. Also in that time, some 30,000 products have been designed for Windows XP by more than 800 development partners. Windows XP is designed to make new digital media easy to use, and the popularity of the operating system has grown as interest in devices such as digital cameras and digital music and video recorders has boomed. In addition, the ease of configuring wireless networks with Windows XP attracts a rapidly growing audience that is interested in wireless home networking and wireless Internet access.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media and Outlook are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .

Related Posts