Posted on: Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Windows update set for August, Microsoft says

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp. said yesterday that it will release a major update to the Windows XP computer operating system in August that focuses on boosting protection against malicious intrusions.

The company previously had said the free update, called Service Pack 2, would be available sometime this summer but did not offer a specific date.

Mike Nash, Microsoft's corporate vice president in charge of security, said the company still couldn't say exactly what day Service Pack 2 will be available, but that they do expect it next month.

The release was once promised as early as June, but has been delayed by last-minute changes — including making sure new security precautions don't cause other applications to stop working.

Microsoft, dogged for years by attacks that take advantage of vulnerabilities in its dominant Windows operating system, is hoping the upgrade will reduce disruptive and costly interruptions.

For example, the new system will automatically turn on Windows Firewall, which aims to guard consumers against unsolicited downloads that could track keystrokes, steal information or otherwise act maliciously.