Microsoft has confirmed that Windows XP Service Pack 3 Final Version has been released to Manufacturers (RTM) on the scheduled date. End users will be able to download this upgrade online from April 29. The users who do not pro-actively download the upgrade, can expect Windows XP Service Pack 3 Final Version pushed via Windows XP updates.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 was released in 2004. Win XP SP2 featured Security Center, Firewall and some other tweaks. Which took much time of some users in downloading and installing. But about XP SP3, it’s being said that it takes about 30 minutes to download and fewer minutes to install as it’s just like an update of 70MB.

Windows XP SP3 accumulates updates for compatibility, security and performance. New features include;
Vista like Product activation process that don’t ask for activation key immediately in Installation, Improved black-hole router detection that is enabled by default in XP SP3, BITS 2.5 that is required by Windows Live OneCare and MS System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNSP) that helps in communication from XP with Vista Applications that use PNRP, Improved and enhanced Windows Installer 3.1, Supports WPAS2, Digital Identity Management Service (DIMS), MMC 3.0, MSXML6, IPsec filter creation and maintenance, Network Access Protection (NAP)

XP SP3 is likely to be the last one for XP as Microsoft wants everyone to move towards Vista. End of June is the end of XP’s live span at retail. This release of Windows XP SP3 shows that majority of the people are not ready to make a switch to Vista OS.