Microsoft releases Windows XP Service Pack 2

Microsoft announced the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced
Security Technologies. This free service pack delivers the latest security
updates and innovations from Microsoft, establishes strong default security
settings, and adds new proactive protection features that will help better
safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks.

"Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help
customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of
increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief
software architect at Microsoft. "It is the result of sustained investments
in innovation and extensive industry collaboration. It also reflects a broad
recognition that as the security environment changes, the industry needs to work
together to respond."

During the worldwide rollout of Service Pack 2, Microsoft will localize the
software in 25 languages over the next two months and distribute it to computer
manufacturers, enterprise customers and consumers through downloads, retail
installation, free CDs and on new PCs. The easiest way for current Windows XP
users to ensure they receive Service Pack 2 when it releases in their language
is to simply turn on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP.

Microsoft expects to distribute Service Pack 2 to approximately 100 million
PCs through Automatic Updates over the next two months.

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