Finally, Microsoft officially confirmed that there will be a third service pack for the current client version of Windows, Windows XP. Although the company declined to release further details, but said that Windows XP Service Pack 3 will be available after the shipment of Windows Vista, at the end of 2006. Microsoft released the most recent Windows XP service pack, SP2, in August 2004. The service pack was one of the most significant updates to the Windows operating system that Microsoft ever produced, and it included a host of features to make Windows more secure.

Developers who are looking for a preview of what may be included in Windows XP SP3 can visit The Hotfix, a software download site and discussion forum that focuses on patches and software updates.

Ethan Allen, the creator and administrator of The Hotfix, said yesterday that he put together the preview pack from software updates he received from an internal Microsoft source. The updates are expected to be part of the next XP service pack but have not been confirmed by Microsoft, he said.

Allen is a Microsoft beta tester and a former contract employee of the software vendor. He currently works in software assurance for a Bellevue, Wash.-based technology company that he declined to name.