JSI Tip 8345. Window XP SP2 (Service Pack 2) is released.

Microsoft Releases Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies to Computer Manufacturers begins with:

Company Urges Windows XP Customers to Turn on Automatic Updates to Get the Stronger Security, Greater Manageability and Improved Experiences of Landmark Service Pack

REDMOND, Wash. - Aug. 6, 2004 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing of Windows® XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies. This free service pack delivers the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft, establishes strong default security settings, and adds new proactive protection features that will help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks.

"Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft. "It is the result of sustained investments in innovation and extensive industry collaboration. It also reflects a broad recognition that as the security environment changes, the industry needs to work together to respond."

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Other significant events:

August 09 Release to Microsoft Download Center (network installation package).

August 09 Release to MSDN subscription site (CD ISO image).

August 16 Release to Automatic Updates.

August 16 Release to Software Update Services.

August ?? Release to Windows Update.