It also underpins Microsoft's curious move to release Windows XP SP3 shortly after Windows Vista SP1 and just before the company's official deadline for ending XP's commercial life.
XP SP3 might be a catalyst to for a last-ditch rush by small and medium entreprises and individuals, who unlike bigger companies, won't be able to downgrade their Vista PC to WIndows XP; to the great satisfaction of e-tailers and Microsoft.
As ITweek rightly points to though, XP SP3 could also cause companies to skip Vista altogether if they think that SP3 is enough for them to hold to until the next Windows.
XP's third service pack has also yielded some surprising and unexpected speed boosts even on newer machines.

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