Windows XP SP 3 = XP + some Vista?

Windows XP SP3 To Include Vista Elements


Portions from:
Paul McDougall, InformationWeek, quoting research done by NeoSmart.

An update to the Microsoft Windows XP operating system will include patches that add pieces of Windows Vista.

"Contrary to popular belief, Windows XP SP3 does ship with all-new features, not just patches and hotfixes," said researchers at NeoSmart, a nonprofit group that tracks computer technology. Most of the new features are "backported from Windows Vista," according to NeoSmart.

Some Features NeoSmart says are crossing over include:
- The Product Activation Model, "meaning that product keys don't need to be entered during setup. The feature should prove popular with corporate IT managers, who often need to oversee hundreds, or even thousands, of operating system installations".

- Vista's Network Access Protection modules. The system verifies a computer's health before allowing it access to a network, and has been "one of the more well-received features in Windows Vista," according to NeoSmart.

- The Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module, which is meant to "provide easy access to multiple cryptographic algorithms," NeoSmart reports.

Information Week says Windows XP SP3 is set to debut early next year. Microsoft has reportedly widened the beta test program to include members of its MSDN and TechNet program.

McDougall said in InfoWeek, "Microsoft is in a bit of a Catch-22 with XP. The more it strengthens the OS, the less reason users have to upgrade to the newer Windows Vista."