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!
Q: What is Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1)?
A: XP SP1 will roll up critical updates and contain enabling technologies for Windows CE for Smart Displays ("Mira") and new types of PCs like the Tablet PC and the Media Center ("Freestyle") PC. It will also include DirectX 9 and the changes required by the consent decree with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and nine US states.
Q: What are "Mira" and "Freestyle"?
A: Windows CE for Smart Displays ("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.
Q: When will XP SP1 ship?
A: SP1 will be finalized in mid-August 2002, with a September 2002 street date.
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: Currently, 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: When will the XP SP1 beta test start?
A: The XP SP1 beta is closed to Windows XP testers only; it began this spring.
A separate Mira beta began in early April and will hit Beta 2 this summer. The Freestyle beta began in early Summer 2002, and is being tested separately from XP SP1.
Q: So what about Longhorn?
A: Longhorn has been delayed until late 2004 and is now a major Windows release.
Home
