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Here is something I have been looking forward to:

Release Canadidate 2 of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is now available for download. Here's a link and a bit about it:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Release Candidate 2 Preview
To aid IT professionals in planning and testing for the deployment of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Microsoft is making available this preview, based on Release Candidate 2 (RC2) of SP2. Additionally, we have established 11 newsgroups for sharing information.

[by way of Brian Johnson]

For more information regarding the changes, take a look at these [by way of Anil John]:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Security Information for Developers [1]

With Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Microsoft is introducing a set of security technologies that will help improve Windows XP-based computers' ability to withstand malicious attacks from viruses and worms. These technologies include:

• Network protection
• Memory protection
• Improved email security
• Safer browsing

Together, these security technologies will help make it more difficult to attack Windows XP, even if the latest patches or updates aren't applied. These security technologies together are particularly useful mitigation against worms and viruses. To developers these technologies will have impacts on the applications that they create and the tools they use. This page contains resources to assist developers in dealing with these impacts.

How to Make Your Web Site Work with Windows XP Service Pack 2 [2]

"Examine the new security features in Windows XP SP2 that affect Internet Explorer and ActiveX controls, file downloads, pop-up windows, and more."

Security improvements in the upcoming Windows XP Service Pack 2 [3]

"Rebecca Norlander, group manager .... in charge of the Windows XP Service Pack 2 effort invited us over to chat about the upcoming Service Pack.

...So, for this first interview (the rest will come over the next week or so) we wondered just what was the big deal about security in Service Pack 2"

[1] http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/productinfo/xpsp2/default.aspx
[2] http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/default.aspx?pull=/library/en-us/dnwxp/html/xpsp2websites.asp
[3] http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=9104