Still on XP? Try Release Candidate 3

Ok, I don't want to explain the obvious to geeks "in the know"; but some folks might not be aware of what a Release Candidate is. A release candidate is software that is done with Beta Testing. The release candidate may in fact be the final code to be released. it ususally availible to everyone; and occasionally they may put out a second release candidate if a situation arises. Bugs should be OUT of the code having been Beta tested by this time. Usually the only thing that might change between the first or second release candidates is a feature set.
Ok, now that that's out of the way; Service Pack 3 (SP3) for Windows XP is FINALLY out as a Release Candidate (RC). What does this mean? You can download SP3 and install it to your XP PC and it will not only have all the bug fixes and features added since SP2; but it will have new features as well. SP2 has been one of the most stable points in any Operating System's life. But it's long in the tooth now.
Many folks out there who have heard horror stories about Vista are not willing to jump to that new platform. These folk are the people targeted to use SP3 for Windows XP. It's from Microsoft, and it doesn't cost a dime. It is particularly useful for folks who want to install/reinstall their XP system. By downloading and installing SP3, you save all the time you would spend having to individually update every little bug fix, new feature put out over the last few years for XP. It's all rolled into SP3.
I will close by saying that this is not a word of caution. By the time a product is at RC1 level; it should be completely stable. If you choose to install SP3 (RC1); you will not lose any feature or program. Soon (January or February) the FINAL SP3 will be released and you can update you RC version to the FINAL version painlessly.

Typically RC's are installed by Geeks who want to taste the future before the masses. I happen to be one of those. (and PROUDLY!) ZDNet's Mary Joe Foley tells you all you need to know and gives you links to download and install SP3 (RC1) right here.

Have fun!!!

Vista RC1 To Come Sooner Than Expected!

Well, as someone who "wants to believe" that Vista can be a great product, I am excited to hear that any of us can get a release candidate the 2nd week of December. The other good new from ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley is that we aren't going to have to wait till mid 2008 for SP1; it's coming out early 1st quarter 2008. Well at least that's where Microsoft is aiming. Check it out.