Microsoft to release XP service pack

REDMOND,Washington: Software giant Microsoft Corp. on Friday said it will release the first service pack for its Windows XP operating system on Sept. 9, adding new security measures and features to comply with proposed federal orders making it possible to remove certain programs.

Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said Windows XP Service Pack 1, which adds features and patches problems with the software, would be available either through download from the company's Web site or via a CD.

The company said the pack contains all the security updates it developed as part of the "Trustworthy Computing" initiative it launched earlier this year, which Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said has cost $100 million thus far. The company has issued at least 30 security bulletins for its software since the launch of that program.

The service pack will also allow manufacturers and users to remove the company's Internet Explorer browser software and Windows Media Player, among other programs, under the terms of a proposed consent decree Microsoft signed with the U.S. Department of Justice and nine state attorneys general.

Microsoft said it had sold 46 million units of Windows XP through both retail and manufacturer channels by the end of June. The system came out late last year. The company traditionally has released service packs for its operating systems patch holes in security and other areas as well as adding or enabling new features.

© Reuters