....seems to be generally available, if you check around for the
necessary *.cmd key on the web. It's only an RC, and it only seems to
add or change a bit of arcana.

Network Access Protection compatibility. Announced years ago, this
feature allows Windows XP machines to interact with the NAP feature in
Windows Server 2008. This functionality is built into the RTM version of
Windows Vista as well.

Product Key-less install option. As with Windows Vista, new XP with SP3
installs can proceed without entering a product key during Setup.

Kernel Mode Cryptographics Module. A new kernel module that
“encapsulates several different cryptographic algorithms,” according to
Microsoft.

“Black hole” router detection algorithm. XP gains the ability to ignore
network routers that incorrectly drop certain kinds of network packets.
This, too, is a feature of Windows Vista.


Most of what else is in the SP was already downloadable as individual
upgrades from good old MS.

Cheers.



--
Mitt Romney - I was in favor of flip-flopping until I decided to be
against it.