Comments on: Microsoft releases new XP SP3 test version

A second near-final "release candidate" has been issued to select beta testers. Company expects to have the XP update ready by the end of June.

[coryschulz]

SP3

Hopefully this adds more functionality to XP and makes it even more stable and secure than it already is. I'm looking into getting an iMac the next time they update the processors, so this doesn't affect me as much, but for my family and friends and other people, I hope SP3 gives them something better so they don't end up downgrading to Vista.

[Casikat030]

Maybe we can just patch xp instead of downgrading to vista

I for one refuse to downgrade to a system which requires more system resources and does less. I was a beta tester for Windows Vista before it went public and was not impressed. I've also tried the final 'retail'(more like beta) version on a friends pc. This thing is so bulky you need a solid gaming rig to run it. Could there be any more wasted resources? I Might patch to SP3 when it comes out, but I dragged my feet on getting SP2 and still wouldn't be running it if most of the current games didn't require it. I'm a gamer so eventually I'm sure I'll be forced in to an OS I can't stand and just love to hate but until that day I'll stick with xp its stable, and I already paid for it once so no point in forking over more cash to Microsoft.

[Mclovin223]

Dang Straight

You are right. My sister has vista and already it is a pain. Sure vista is streamlined and looks nice, but the basic utility of the system in 0 to none. Installing just software alone takes 12 min with the constant, "Confirmation messages." When i try to install some basic utilities they don't work and hardware if it needs a driver pretty much means you are screwed. Microsoft should have devolved on it longer and made more adjustments. I'll wait for vista to get better, even if i have to stay with xp for 2 more years.