Neowin.net - Windows XP SP2 RTM Shifts Into August

Windows XP SP2 RTM Shifts Into August

Posted by Tom Warren on 14 July 2004 - 12:35 · 52 comments & 4425 views

Late last week I reported that the much anticipated update to Windows XP (SP2) would be ready within 2 weeks. Unfortunately only hours after I wrote the story Microsoft had shifted the release into August and were busy preparing security conferences announcing this. As it stands the release could be ready by the end of July but the date now being set as Windows XP SP2 to RTM by is August 4th. We'll keep you updated if this changes (since it does frequently).

News source: In-House

Ongoing Commitment to Address Security
Security is a top priority for Microsoft, and the company’s commitment to improving security and working with partners to help them secure their infrastructures is an ongoing effort, Nash noted. Further details on the progress and commitments that were highlighted include the following:

· Advancements in providing greater isolation and resilience to systems to improve their ability to mitigate the impact of malicious code will include the forthcoming availability of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. This has been provisionally scheduled for launch in August, and includes innovations to provide safer browsing, stronger default security settings, and the automatic installation of new security features to better protect customers and their computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks. Nash also discussed ISA Server 2004, Microsoft’s next-generation application firewall, virtual private network and Web cache solution. In addition, Nash discussed Network Access Protection technologies, Microsoft’s strategy for more secure access to networks that will provide network policy validation, network isolation and network policy compliance.

· Improvements in security update tools and processes, highlighting the more streamlined process of issuing security updates monthly to make the process more manageable for customers. This has led, in part, to a 400 per cent growth in the use of Windows Automatic Update over the past 10 months and approximately 112,000 servers connecting to Microsoft to check for content per day using Software Update Services.

· Expanded authorisation, authentication and access control, with the endorsement of Microsoft’s Windows Rights Management Services from EDS, GigaTrust and Liquid Machines Inc.

· Quality improvements through engineering excellence, referencing the 69 per cent reduction in critical and important bulletins issued for Windows Server 2003 relative to Windows 2000 Server in the initial year following their respective releases.

· Global customer guidance and engagement to help build security best practices among consumers and businesses. It was also confirmed that in the past 10 months Microsoft has provided security training to more than 510,000 IT professionals, including approximately 140,000 industry partners. Nash also thanked partners for their diligent efforts to help customers achieve a more secure infrastructure and encouraged them to participate in Microsoft’s Security Solutions Competency Programme. More information about the security solutions competency can be found at http://members.microsoft.com/partner/progr...ysolutions.aspx

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(2 replies) #1 Posted by PanicButton on 14 Jul 2004 - 12:36: At least we'll have a nice stable final release

(1 reply) #2 Posted by Toxikk on 14 Jul 2004 - 12:40: great, ill be leaving for vacation right then.

ill miss all the sp2 rush. i will have no time to connect. bummer.

phew

#3 Posted by apollos on 14 Jul 2004 - 12:46: agreed, I have my faith in this service pack and it's stability and compatibility

(4 replies) #4 Posted by insanekiwi on 14 Jul 2004 - 12:47: microsoft just needs more time to add new anti-piracy mechanisms

#5 Posted by _//_TechTV on 14 Jul 2004 - 13:02: "since it does frequently" I like it

#6 Posted by Ficman on 14 Jul 2004 - 13:14: Holding Breath...

(4 replies) #7 Posted by aoeu on 14 Jul 2004 - 13:18: News Flash from the future:

Today is a beatiful sunny August 6th, but lo-behold, Micro$oft delayed the SP2 release yet again citing the overused excuse for security issues and mediocre "bugs" that have to fixed. We could not reach Micro$oft for comment but rumor is SP2 is due on August 27th.

Hey look on the bright side, at least we'll have a really stable piece of junk from M$ that keeps on getting delayed. Hur-rah!!!111

#8 Posted by kainashi on 14 Jul 2004 - 13:39: let's hope it finally comes out.

(4 replies) #9 Posted by naap51stang on 14 Jul 2004 - 13:45: Hey, does anyone get the feeling that the developers of SP2 either have in the past, or
currently moonlight for ID software? The makers of the "it will be out when it's finished"
Duke Nukem Forever (or takes forever)

#10 Posted by Miran on 14 Jul 2004 - 13:51: Yay released on my Birthday - thanks for the prezzy M$!

(1 reply) #11 Posted by Randall_Lind on 14 Jul 2004 - 14:11: Microsoft and stable two words that don't belong in the same sentence.

#12 Posted by hifigecko on 14 Jul 2004 - 14:25: Mission: Impossible

(1 reply) #13 Posted by jamesp on 14 Jul 2004 - 14:31: Wow, I care.

#14 Posted by .:: lebmike ::. on 14 Jul 2004 - 15:04: Microsoft push an RTM date, no way?

#15 Posted by StaticX on 14 Jul 2004 - 15:12

(1 reply) #16 Posted by KevinRGood on 14 Jul 2004 - 16:21

QUOTE

Unfortunately only hours after I wrote the story Microsoft had shifted the release

I think Microsoft goes on to Neowin to check the artical about final release date of WinXP SP2 and change the date to make a fool out of us.

#16.1 Posted by Hills420 on 14 Jul 2004 - 17:55: I agree...

#17 Posted by tom5 on 14 Jul 2004 - 18:09: LOL.... it was so unexpected

#18 Posted by Rudzer on 14 Jul 2004 - 18:11: Would be nice if it was stable and did really came Aug 4, just in time for a proper system change/format for Doom3

#19 Posted by tommie on 14 Jul 2004 - 18:15: It'd be nice if they could just tell us when they have it all ready for download rather than assuming things.

(1 reply) #20 Posted by chrisxtreme on 14 Jul 2004 - 18:28: meh, I won't have time to do my fresh XP install with SP2, I'll be playing Doom3. =/

(2 replies) #21 Posted by Peter_ on 14 Jul 2004 - 18:31: What I want to know is.....

All the people who has WinXP SP2 BETA installed, are they vulnerable to the latest security holes in WinXP? (the latest updates for XP are not available via v5.windowsupdate.com)

If they are, I think im gonna uninstall my SP2 BETA...
I cant wait 3 weeks to patch my OS properly.

#22 Posted by Samoa on 14 Jul 2004 - 19:14: Breaking news.....the August they were talking about is 2005.

#23 Posted by ooops on 14 Jul 2004 - 19:21: Half-Life 3 will be out before this service pack shows up.

(1 reply) #24 Posted by Jedimark on 14 Jul 2004 - 19:50: Maybe they will release it early and surprise everyone...

#25 Posted by Mav Phoenix on 14 Jul 2004 - 20:38: Sigh, such bull****.

#26 Posted by obake on 14 Jul 2004 - 21:18: Question:

When SP2 is released to manufacturing, does that mean it'll be available for download on the same date? Doesn't take any time to manufacture a digital copy.

#27 Posted by Joseph_01 on 14 Jul 2004 - 22:07: Hah, I don't need SP2's features. I think I'll wait till SP3 (if ever) or Longhorn. SP1 crashed my PC twice. I ended up having to reformat and reinstall from scratch. I never had a problem with XP itself, just the SP.

(1 reply) #28 Posted by djesteban on 14 Jul 2004 - 22:51: oooookkkkk... delayed again...
but yeah, everything is under control

hmmm... little question... if the RTM date is August 4, does this mean it is also the public release date... or just the date for a final build available for OEM distro?
Cause if it's only a build date, well... I can't predict another 2-3 weeks before a public release, so take takes us to end of august

#29 Posted by dave164 on 16 Jul 2004 - 19:03: It is taking the p**s a bit though having it delayed more and more better be something new and special on the way

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