HelpWithWindows Newsletter

01. Windows XP - The Future

by Arie Slob

Hello Windows users,

Many of you will be wondering what the future of Windows XP will hold; let's face it: Windows XP is working well for you, and Windows Vista is still a long time away for you!

Personally I think you shouldn't expect much from Microsoft over the next 12-14 months: most of their staff is working on Windows Vista, and they have their hands full getting it ready before the end of next year, as Microsoft's management wants.

There are some things coming though. Internet Explorer 7 is one of them (read my review of Internet Explorer 7 Beta 1). A 2nd beta is expected in December this year; a final version will probably be available in the first half of 2006.

Then there's also OneCare (currently in beta testing), but that will be a paid "add-on" service.

A Service Pack 3 (SP3) is also planned; information available at this time point to a release after Windows Vista has been launched. It is also possible that SP3 will include new features that are part of Windows Vista.

If Microsoft follows their current published support policies, Windows XP will enjoy mainstream support for two years after Windows Vista is released, so right now it looks like XP will enjoy mainstream support till the end of 2008 (assuming Windows Vista will ship in December 2006). XP's extended support will in that case run through 2013. More on Microsoft's Support Lifecycle can be found on their Web site.

02. Changes to the Newsletter

You'd probably noticed I didn't publish a newsletter last week. I've decided to change the publication to a fortnightly schedule. The reason is that I want to free up some of my time to publish more in-depth articles on features/technologies in the upcoming new Windows Vista. Please share your thoughts on this publication change via email.

03. Recent Support BBS Postings

Moving Windows XP default folders - Windows XP
Outlook file over 2Gb - Outlook
Eliminate Windows Network Logon - Windows 98
Router - Firewall? - Networking
Can I be hacked? - General Security

04 05. User Profile Hive Cleanup Service

Microsoft updated their User Profile Hive Cleanup Service, a service to help with slow log off and unreconciled profile caused by profile hive unload problems.

Supported Operating System: Windows 2000, NT, Server 2003, XP

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07. Microsoft Updates Outlook 2003 Junk E-mail Filter

Microsoft has updated the Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 junk e-mail filter to help provide a higher level of protection against junk e-mail.

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