Service pack 2 for xp
 

Has anyone downloaded the beta version of it? I just did and its very securirty oriented. Windows xp now has virus check, a better firewall and a new version of internet explorer that blocks pop ups. I like what I see so far. The full version will be out late this summer.

I am a little slow....will I have to purchase this, or will it be free once it is rolled out?

It is free to anyone that has xp. You can get the beta version now at.. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro...p2preview.mspx

The full non beta version will be out this summer. I think its a big improvement of the original xp.

When the new service pack officially comes out, will it be available as an automatic update or will we have to manually download it from Microsoft's website?

I think it will be found under your windows update button. Will they consider it an critical update I have no clue. All I can suggest is if the service pack 2 never ends up on your computer go check the windows update and manually add it if you want it.