Windows-Help.NET Newsletter

01. Microsoft Releases Windows XP Service Pack 2 RC2

by Arie Slob

Hello Windows users,

This week Microsoft launched the (delayed) Release Candidate 2 (RC2) of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). Microsoft had originally been expected to deliver RC2 last month, but ran into several compatibility issues, which delayed RC2's release.

Microsoft has not yet said anything about the final release date of Windows XP SP2, which was previously scheduled for July. But it's quite unlikely they'll make it by next month; generally a 2 month time frame is required between the last Release Candidate, and the Release To Manufacturing (RTM). So if RC2 is the last release candidate, we could expect RTM by mid August at the earliest.

Download Technical Preview

To aid IT professionals in planning and testing for the deployment of Windows XP SP2, Microsoft is making available a preview, based on Release Candidate 2 (RC2) of Windows XP Service Pack 2.

WARNING! This technical preview is unsupported and is intended for testing purposes only. Do not use in production environments.

View: Release Notes for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

Downloads:

Express Install (via Windows Update)
Full Version [English - 264 MB]
Full Version [German - 262 MB]
For information regarding the Japanese version, please visit the Japan TechNet site.

Deployment guides can be found on the SP2 Technical Preview site.

Give your comments on this article.

02. Recent Support BBS Postings

System Restore Trick - Windows XP
Why you should dump IE Browser - General Discussions
Windows Me not creating Restore Points - Windows Me
OE Deleted items return? - Internet Explorer / Outlook Express
HDD Bad sector repairing tool - Hardware

03. Web Site Updates

These pages were added/updated in the past week. Information on previously updated/added pages is available on the What's New? page for 1 month.

RoseCitySoftware.com

Added: RedUCE released

Windows-Help.NET

Windows XP

Added: Microsoft Releases Windows XP Service Pack 2 Release Candidate 2

04. The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide

Microsoft Solutions for Security: The Antivirus Defense-in-Depth Guide provides an easy to understand overview of the assorted types of malware, their risks, characteristics, means of replication and payloads. The solution also details the considerations for implementing a comprehensive antivirus defense for your network, servers and clients which goes beyond simply installing antivirus software into the related tools which will help reduce your risk of infection. Lastly, the solution provides a comprehensive methodology for quickly and effectively responding to outbreaks or incidents when they occur.

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP
Req. Adobe Acrobat Reader

Download [1.15 MB]

05. Windows XP Tip: Adjust Internet Time Synchronization

Windows XP has the capability to automatically synchronize the clock on your system with an Internet time server. You can add additional time servers & adjust the time interval.

Read Full Article

06. Antipiracy bill targets technology

A forthcoming bill in the U.S. Senate would, if passed, dramatically reshape copyright law by prohibiting file-trading networks and some consumer electronics devices on the grounds that they could be used for unlawful purposes.

Read C|Net Article