Earlier this week Microsoft announced they’re in the final stages of preparing SP3 for release to the web (i.e. you!) on April 29th, via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Online documentation for Windows XP SP3, such as Microsoft Knowledge Base articles and the Microsoft TechNet Windows XP TechCenter, will be updated then.

For customers who use Windows XP at home, Windows XP SP3 Automatic Update distribution for users at home will begin in early summer.

Windows XP SP3 combines all previously released performance, security, and stability updates. It also provides a limited number of new and enhanced functionalities (including NAP), although it does not significantly change the Windows XP experience or bring most Windows Vista functionality to Windows XP.

The goals of Windows XP SP3 are to:

• Provide a new baseline for customers still deploying Windows XP, to help them avoid the inconvenience of applying individual updates.
• Fill gaps in the updates users might have missed by declining individual updates when using Automatic Updates, and to deliver updates not made available through Windows Update.

For more information about Windows XP SP3, go to Windows XP Service Packs or see Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview.

Update: XP SP3 is finally available for download. [ link ]

Google Earth 4.3 adds new and innovative features, including photo-realistic 3D buildings, improved navigation, and sunlight.

The Official Intro

And another from gearthblog

Visit earth.google.com for more information.

Security updates in FF 2.0.0.13 introduced stability problems in the JavaScript engine. This is known to have caused sporadic crashes during JavaScript garbage collection. Some of these crashes showed evidence of memory corruption under certain circumstances and you can only presume that with enough effort at least some of these could be exploited to run arbitrary code.

The latest version, Firefox 2.0.0.14 (released yesterday), eliminates the instability problems. In case your auto-update hasn’t done so all ready I strongly suggest you update Firefox immediately.

DriveImage XML is an easy to use and reliable program for imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives.

The program allows you to:

• Backup logical drives and partitions to image files
• Browse these images, view and extract files
• Restore these images to the same or a different drive
• Copy directly from drive to drive
• Schedule automatic backups with your Task Scheduler

Image creation uses Microsoft’s Volume Shadow Services (VSS), allowing you to create safe “hot images” even from drives currently in use.

Images are stored in XML files, allowing you to process them with 3rd party tools. Never again be stuck with a useless backup!

Restore images to drives without having to reboot.

DriveImage XML runs under Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista only. The program will backup, image and restore drives formatted with FAT 12, 16, 32 and NTFS.

For more information and to download your free copy visit runtime.org

Adobe announced yesterday the immediate availability of Adobe Media Player 1.0 software. An Adobe AIR application, this customizable, cross-platform media player provides exciting new ways for viewers to discover and interact with their favorite content, while offering revenue and brand-building opportunities for content publishers.