Windows
XP Service Pack 1 (XP SP1) is more than just a
collection of security hot-fixes and bug fixes; instead,
it's a full-on interim Windows release with tons of new
functionality
.
So here's the first--and most comprehensive--FAQ dedicated to the
next version of Windows XP Home Edition and Professional anywhere! Be sure to
read my
Windows .NET Server FAQ
and Longhorn FAQ
for information about other upcoming Windows versions.
UPDATE: This FAQ is now retired.
Q: What is Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1)?
A: Windows XP SP1 will roll up critical updates and contain
enabling technologies for Windows Powered Smart Displays
("Mira") and new types of PCs
like the Tablet PC and the Media Center ("Freestyle")
PC. It will also include USB 2.0 support and the changes
required by the consent decree with the US Department of
Justice (DOJ) and nine US states. Additionally,
Microsoft has made a few changes to Windows Product
Activation in XP SP1 that make it harder for people to
pirate the software. For more information, please check
out my
Windows XP SP1 Preview.
Q: What are "Mira" and "Freestyle"?
A: Windows Powered Smart Displays (code-named "Mira") is a new remote display technology that uses
Windows CE .NET, 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless capabilities,
and XP's Remote Desktop feature to enable a new
generation of smart displays which you can carry around
the home.
Windows XP Media Center Edition ("Freestyle") is a new version of XP that includes a simple, graphical front-end to the XP-based digital media tasks you can perform with a remote control, rather than a keyboard and mouse. This includes listening to digital music, watching photo slideshows, and viewing digital movies and DVDs.
For more information about these exciting new
technologies, please check out my
Mira
and
Freestyle
technology showcases.
Q: When will XP
SP1 ship?
A: SP1 was finalized on August 30, 2002, and will ship
publicly on September 9, 2002. This will
give PC makers time to integrate the new XP into PCs for
the 2002 holiday season.
Q: What's the XP SP1 code-name?
A: XP SP1 does not have a code-name.
Q: Wasn't this supposed to ship in early 2002?
A: Yes, the original plan was to ship XP SP1 in the
first half of 2002. But with a slew of new features to
add and its Trustworthy Computing code review to do, Microsoft decided to integrate it all into a
single release aimed at satisfying the need for a yearly
Windows release.
Q: So what about Longhorn?
A: Longhorn has been delayed until late 2004 and is now
a major Windows release. See my
Longhorn FAQ and showcase,
the Road to
Longhorn, for more information about
the next Windows release after XP SP1.