The Microsoft Windows Update website today launched the English version of the Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) for web download.
Windows XP SP3 includes all upgrade patches since the release of XP in 2001, as well as a small number of new features. Installing SP3 will not significantly change the user experience in the way that XP SP2 did.
The main new features of SP3 include: black hole routing detection; Network Access Protection; more detailed security options interface; enhanced administrative security and service policy entries; kernel-mode cryptography module; and changes to the Windows Product Activation mode.
Microsoft had previously stated that the SP3 software would be available to consumers via the company's Windows Update tool or through Microsoft's Download Center website. This summer, Microsoft will automatically distribute this service pack to users via the automatic update service.
Windows XP SP3 was originally scheduled for release at the end of this month. Some users have speculated that Microsoft may have delayed the release of Windows XP SP3 in order to promote the new generation of operating systems, Windows Vista.