Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 RC1

Along with Service Pack 1 for Office 2007 being released recently, Microsoft also let Service Pack 3 for Windows XP out of the bag.

It is not the final release which is expected sometime next year but still manages to pack in a total of 1073 fixes. It also includes four new features including a new activation scheme, Network Access Protection Module, Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module and a Black Hole Router detection algorithm.

There was talk of Windows XP SP3 including DX10 support but that didn't end up being the case. If you are still using Windows XP and haven't made the move to Vista yet, BetaNews is hosting the beta service pack for download.

Go grab it here! Keep in mind it is still in beta form, so take some caution and backup first!