Windows XP SP3 to hit automatic updates; includes 1,100 fixes

If you didn’t have your calendar marked this day (04/29/2008) is an important day; the third service pack for Windows XP has been released to Windows Update today.  It may not be trickling down just yet but several sites have already posted manual updates that can be downloaded.

DailyTech reports that Microsoft hasn’t yet posted an official download for SP3 but BetaNews does have a download link that goes straight back to Windows Update.

Windows XP SP3 is more than just a regular Service Pack including more than 1,100 hotfixes/patches which has new features such as Network Access Protection and Black Hole Router detection.

SP3 will also bring new life into the operating system that so many are unwilling to give up for Windows Vista.  Windows XP SP3 is roughly a 316MB download and will be hitting automatic updates later today or if you’re feeling more adventurous, can be manually downloaded right now.  At least you won’t have to hunt down a shady source for the update any more.

Windows XP SP3 also brings a couple features of Vista to the operating system as well; maybe Microsoft will toss in a some new themes as well.

• Microsoft updates IE 7, drops WGA validation requirement for Windows XP
• Final version of Windows XP SP3 now available on MSDN, other sites
• Windows Vista needs security patches
• Microsoft Windows XP SP3 – Twice as fast as Vista SP1?
• Microsoft restrains site offering Vista SP1 patches