I run Windows XP service pack 3. I just went on line for an update and it suggested Windows 3.5 service pack 1. To me this doesn't sound right so I cancelled the Download Does anyone know if this is in fact the latest Windows operating system other than Vista, as at nearly 250mb I don't want to waste my download. Thanks in advance

Aa it sounds like a error to me if you did download it It would not install because you have the latest update SP 3 and they will be no others for XP so Bill says they want you to upgrade to Vista & then to win/7 I have vista basic upgrade but I took it out of my pc I will wait until 7 comes out which
is so schedule for the end of this year or beginning next year

Hi,
Downloaded a windows explorer update a week ago. It does not have anything to do with Vista etc. I can't remember all the details, the main one was it gives you far better security etc. and it works a lot faster. Took about 20 mins to download but i was working at a busy time.
Can't remember the number but it was from Microsoft, and it works very well.
From what you say you have Windows XP service pack 3. This update as stated takes you to Windows XP 3.5 service pack 1. as oppose to WXP3.
Microsoft has cancelled it's Vista sales and gone back to XP last year, as there were to many problems with it.
Been using it for a week now and am very pleased with it. You can notice increase in speed
Cheers Doug.

Doug it funny you just posted that because I just removed IE8 it would not open I search every were for the solution none to be found so I went back to 7 but I do want to thank you for enlighten me about 3.5
now if I get that message I will ignore it since 8 did not open for me some thing in my PC must be incompatible with 8

I started to download IE 8 last night and for once actually read the "terms". When you agree to their terms you give microsoft access to your computer. Nope, maybe when I got IE 7 I agreeded to the same thing because I didn't pay attention, but if I did, I won't this time. None of their damn business what is on my computer or what I do with it. Just a matter of principal.

I agree with you sgt what I do not understand is why they put that in the agreement.
there is no way then can check every on PC who has I E 8 installed they can not even keep the pirate windows XP software out of you PC

Hi,
I agree they can't stop you running a pir. version of windows XP but they can stop you downloading any windows updates as they check your version of windows, to see if it is gen. before you can download it. The pent. chip made by Microsoft has what they call holes in it and they can enter your computer this way if they want to. The AMD chip made by Ameriantrends does not have this and you have to give them permission to enter. This is one reason why they put this clause in the agreement.
When you want to download IE8 or any other MS programs, you HAVE to agree to let them check your computer before you can download it. If you have a pir. version,THEY WILL NOT let you download it. This is the main way they can check your comp. to see if you have gen windows installed. They will tell you to buy a gen. version at a reduced price and give you all the details, the last one i seen on a pir. ver. they wanted 6,000B for the real thing. Also the security updates from MS cannot be installed. This can compromise you computer.
By the way IE8 works very well on my comp. no problems with anything and a lot faster.
Cheers Doug.

"The pent. chip made by Microsoft has what they call holes in it and they can enter your computer this way if they want to."

Douglas, are you tryong to pull the legs of the posters here? I have never read so much incorrect information in my life. The same thing applies to your comments on IE8 downloads.

rufus when I download any thing from Microsoft I have to validate my copy of windows.
I am running a genuine copy I don't buy or use illegal software

In short, processor chips have nothing to do with software vulnerabilities whether Pentium based, AMD or Mac G4 processors.

Web browser security issues, is purely software, programed by incompetent, and so called, programmers.
Microsoft, simply has crap employees in research and development, and always rush beta testing, based on hired up-right monkeys and their inputs, with piss poor, end of the day analysis to push product to us, the end user.

There is no relationship.

IE8 does have bugs, and always will. There will be software patches, then IE9 will appear. By the time Windows 7 goes retail, I.E., will be I.E. 9, nearing I.E.10. Nature of the Microsoft savages.

Firefox is one of the best, in my opinion for just the net, and Mac for browsing is great, and anything that is Linux based. I hate Macintosh, but for net safety, it is hard to beat.

The only other credit I give to Mac is the power towards marketing software in design layout work, ie, publishing magazines, catalogs, artwork, and such. It's a simple business/ marketing computer tool, that can do more, but not for me 99% of the time.

It's better to give this link then write about it. This is a great website courtesy of the Discovery Channel.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/firefox.htm

Enjoy, and research.

I have two computers one is a new Imac excellent machine never any problems

Motasi has said it all.

I use firefox and if I did not support so many people using WIN XP I would be using SuSe Linux.

Vista is a clunky piece of ****. I think windows 7 will be better.

At the end of the day windows XP will work fine for 90% of people. So why upgrade!

I still know people running win98. They do e-mail, write letters in word and surf the net.

I think they will be upgrading later this year. because the computer is dieing. But that's the only reason.

So guys, at the end of the day should I download the Windows 3.5 service pack 1 or not (I think I'm confused) or stay with what I have

Aardavrk, you can download this update. It's just a simple add on enhancement for Net Frame Work and data streaming, Direct X, and such. Mostly it's for use by other incorporated programs within windows itself, and for other developers tweaking on their own programs. Also some newer games and software require this update.

It does nothing for 99% of the end users. It's harmless.

In short, up to you to download, or not. Worse case you lose about 2.8 MB of hard drive space.