While Windows Vista has been in the market for quite a while now but I believed a lot of us (who are on Windows Platform) are still stick with Windows XP. Well, I am one of it. 
Windows Vista has a great 3D GUI, improved and enhanced features but so far I believed most of the computer users are still comfortable with Windows XP. Windows XP is one of the most stable and reliable version that I’ve ever experienced.
Talking about Windows XP, Microsoft has recently just released Service Pack 3 (SP3) for WIndows XP. This is long -awaited by Windows XP users after the released of SP2. The question is, do you need to upgrade to SP3 ? Is SP2 is good enough ? What are the pros and cons of installing the SP3 ?
In SP3, Microsoft has include Windows Media Player 11 and IE7. These components is presently available as a separate downloads. There are also certain features that solved compatibility issue with Windows Server 2008 . The is also the ability to install OS without installation key if you have SP3 on the disk.
In terms of computer speed and performance, Microsoft says SP3 should perform no better and no worse than the previous SP2. So far, no SP3 user are experiencing computer slowdown as a result of installing SP3. So I would assume there is no harm in terms of performance.
There are however certain users are reporting that they are facing problem connecting to their Home Server Machine after applying SP3, this could be one of the compatibility problem that need to be addressed.
After doing some research, I think SP3 is not compulsory although you may choose to upgrade if you want. If you are currently on SP2, you are perfectly fine as there are no major crucial improvement was made.
You may upgrades to SP3 by using Windows update (www.update.microsoft.com) or alternatively, you may download the full SP3 upgrade package. But be warn, the size is approx. 300MB ! Make sure you have enough space on your hard disk before downloading
With the released of the new Windows Vista, SP3 could be the last service pack released for Windows XP. In fact Microsoft has already announced that it will no longer support Windows XP beyond 2009. Microsoft focus now more on migrating the world to Windows VIsta.
While you may not notice the new features, Windows XP Service Pack 3 will enhance the security of your computer. Unless you install SP3 or the available security upgrades, your computer will have serious vulnerabilities.
At least 75% of XP users that installed SP3 experienced no difficulties. I installed SP3 on 20 machines, and have not had a problem yet.
The key to success is to familiarize yourself with the update, and follow Microsoft’s pre-installation instructions. Some useful guidelines can be found here:
http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html
If you have any problems with SP3 installation, Microsoft offers free technical support.
Good luck!
Hi Donald,
Thanks for sharing.
From your point of view, do you think a user who perform security and patches update frequently still needs SP3 ?
Do you find any drop in performance and speed from that 30 computers that you applied SP3 ?
OnlineDIYGuy
I am always thinking to upgrade to Windows Vista but a little bit hesitate. So far I am happy with SP2 for my Win XP. Well, the old saying goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
I will upgrade to SP3 not now….but someday when I’m ready :O)
OnlineDIYGuy,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner; I just saw your response to my comment.
I think you ask a very good question. Anyone who installs SP3 accepts a certain amount of risk (failure to install, loss of data, unanticipated problems due to incompatibilities, waste of time, etc.)
SP3 provides new features, mainly security enhancements developed for Vista, that may not be available as individual updates for XP. I also found that some of the previously-loaded Critical Updates to SP2 may not have installed themselves properly. SP3 will detect these missing updates and install them.
Re performance, I cannot detect any difference pre- and post-SP3 installation.
However, with two systems, I decided to do a fresh install and use Kaspersky Internet Security instead of Norton SystemWorks (antivirus) and ZoneAlarm (software firewall). The speed-up was dramatic, especially at boot time.