Windows Update Refreshed as XP SP2 Nears

A second release candidate of Windows XP Service Pack 2 may be inching closer. BetaNews has received word that Windows Update V5 has reached RC2.

Windows Update V5 presents users with a less cluttered interface, resumes interrupted downloads, toggles between custom and express installations, customized downloads that utilize improved patching technology, only the latest updates, and drastically improved automatic updating.

An e-mail issued to beta testers reads, "Windows Update V5 RC2 is now available for Windows XP SP2 (build 2120), Windows XP RTM/SP1, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 SP3/SP4. The website and the Windows Update pages on BetaPlace are ready for testing!"

RC2 of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is due out soon and Windows Update 5 is an integral part of the major update to Microsoft's flagship operating system.

Service Pack 2 has secured the perimeter around Windows XP with a new mix of security features including: a new version of Internet Explorer; improved memory protection; e-mail safeguards for Outlook Express; the Windows Firewall; new security settings for Windows Media Player 9; redesigned networking components; and a new Windows "Security Center" to coordinate and manage security features.