if you go to the MS site and search for XP SP3 beta, you can download the white paper with all the info you could ever want on what is included, changed, and upgraded.

I was reading the MS forums about SP3. I really wouldn't install this thing yet.

WWW Link

Just as an example:

After installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 Beta, the Address Bar feature will be removed from the Taskbar
The Address Bar feature will not be present in Windows XP Service Pack 3. This change is in response to a regulatory request and is present beginning with Windows XP Service Pack 3 Beta.

There is a bug related to the removal of the Address Bar in the Windows XP Service Pack 3 Beta. The user can return the Address Bar to the taskbar by unlocking the taskbar and choosing Toolbars > Links.
This is a known issue and will be specifically addressed in a later milestone of the Windows XP Service Pack 3 beta program, where the end user?s ability to restore the Address Bar feature will be eliminated.

Hey, good catch ALMonty.   

Thanks Philly there seems to be a lot of problems with IE 7. Some suggested to reinstall it(IE7). Some people couldn't reboot their machines. Some lost sound and folders were missing.

Of course every machine is going to react different.

AL you are right in that every machine will more then likely react a little differently.

Some folks were and are still having problems with Vista SP1 which just goes to show you sometimes it's not always good to be first in line.  

Thanks Josh and Phil for the info. Looking specifically at Windows Defender how frequently does anyone get updates from Microsoft. I reckon I have only seen two in the past few months whereas a similar product, like Adaware, put out an update every week sometimes two   This is what I am driving at........Is Windows Defender an effective tool   

I seem to be getting atleast one update sometimes two a week for Windows Defender so I have to yes, it's an effective tool.

For anyone interested, I am still running SP3 Beta and have had no problems out of it whatsoever. IE7 works just fine, and I don't use the taskbar anyway. I keep it hidden (thanks to RightClick and OD+   ).......

People still use IE7 otherwise known as a virus and spyware magnet?

Amazing...

  

For what it's worth, I have never had a virus OR any spyware on my PC. It's not what you use to surf the net...it's what you use to prevent infections....

Even so, IE is so ridiculously sluggish, and you really can't personalize it. it's too bulky, I love Firefox much better as compared to IE.

have had SP3 running for about 2 weeks now and have noticed no irregular issues.
in fact my pc performance has actually improved. all stardock apps are working as they should. i recommend that those who don't have it get it.

U sure ???? that its all normall ...

positive

The SP3 RC is definitely worth it. I haven't had any problems at all, and system response is actually a bit quicker.