[Ham-Computers] RE: XP SP3

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Hi John,

A "Release Candidate" (RC) is essentially a "final" beta.  The difference between a "beta" and an "RC" is that the RC is what will actually be released to the public if no major issues are reported.  So, if XP SP3 RC2 passes muster, then that package, unmodified, gets "RTM'd" (Released to Manufacturing) and it becomes the official ("gold") SP3 package.  BTW, since it's "RC2", the first "RC" must have had some problems.  

My take on XP SP3 is split.  It contains a *LOT* of critical updates including the 80 or so post-SP2 "hotfixes" and patches.  However, it might also introduce new complications or incompatibilities just like SP2 did.  As Jeff mentioned earlier, I'd wait a few months before installing it unless you like being on the "bleeding edge" and are willing to tackle any possible headaches that may arise.  I don't think it'll be as "bad" as SP2 was - mostly hotfixes this time rather than functionality changes.

If you want Microsoft's take on SP3, here's a link to the WinXP SP3 Overview:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=68C48DAD-BC34-40BE-8D85-6BB4F56F5110&displaylang=en

Download and read the short 11-page whitepaper on SP3.


73,

  - Aaron, NN6O



-----Original Message-----
Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:54 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] XP SP3

>From the 02/22/2008 edition of Microsoft Download Notifications, it appears that XP SP3 is quite close to public distribution.  Those of us with Automatic Updates on should receive it.  Does anyone know what "Release Candidate 2" means?

John W0IKT