Home page » Software

Search:

With the launch of Vista Service Pack 1 the TR offices have become split over whether it is has finally become a better operating system than Windows XP. Now the fact that we are even having this conversation (XP was released in 2001) is a sad indictment of just how disappointing Vista has been. Furthermore, XP may soon have the edge again...

News is breaking today that Service Pack 3 for the venerable OS has been released to manufacturing (RTM) meaning the 29 April launch should now be locked down with no last minute delays. Of course this is Microsoft so never say never.

So what will XP bring to the table that could make it so special? Well there's the usual bug fixes and security improvements, but most interesting is talk of a 10 per cent performance increase - something that would be very welcome considering the platform's rejuvenation with the birth of the Eee PC-led subnotebook category. Given Vista is an accepted performance hog (see above) this tweak could further delay potential upgraders who are already targeting the possible release of Windows 7 in 2009.

Of course whether SP3's speed boost makes it into the final release is unknown (it isn't really in Microsoft's interest is it?), but with its arrival at the Microsoft Download Center just one week away we'll soon find out.

Two quick points: 1. SP3 won't hit Windows Update until 10 June so you'll need to be proactive to get it. 2. Yep, I'm not one of TR's Vista fans!

Link:
Official Announcement

© 2003-2008 TrustedReviews | About Us | Contact Us | Legal | Privacy | RSS