Staged Rollout of Windows XP SP2 Continues

Following Friday's release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and its subsequent release to beta testers and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Universal and Professional subscribers, Microsoft made the full network installation package of the OS available yesterday. Designed for IT administrators and developers, the full network installation package weighs in at a hefty 270MB and is unsuitable for most average users. However, if you're waiting for the Automatic Updates or Microsoft Windows Updates XP SP2 releases--and indications are that you'll likely continue to wait for some time--and have a broadband connection, the full network installation package might be just the ticket for you.
  
As for the rest of us, XP SP2 is on a slow rollout. Tomorrow, Microsoft will start shipping the update to users who have enabled Automatic Updates, although even that release will be staged over time. Users who installed a release candidate (RC) version of XP SP2 will get the release first, followed by other XP users. Then, late in August, Microsoft will start distributing XP SP2 through Windows Update.
  
If you absolutely can't wait--and if you can handle the download I recommend that you don't wait--you can grab the full network installation from the Microsoft Web site. The download will update XP Home Edition, XP Media Center Edition, XP Professional Edition, and XP Tablet PC Edition. To download Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers, visit the Microsoft Download Center.