How many service packs are there? What are the benefits?
2006-10-04 17:49:03 · 7 answers · asked by Shereen J 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
A service pack (aka "SP") is a collection of updates, fixes and/or enhancements to a software program delivered in the form of a single installable package.
Installing a service pack is easier and less error-prone than installing a high number of patches individually, even more so when updating multiple computers over a network.
There have been two major service pack releases for Windows XP (SP1 and SP2) and microsoft also offer more regular updates that can be downloaded in-between these major updates - for example, security updates are often released on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. All such updates eventually get included in the next service pack.
Generally when software is released it's not possible to make it bug free (sad but true), so once it gets used by hundreds of thousands of people, the most impotant bugs get identified and fixed.
Think of a service pack as running maintenance - you wouldn't run your car without changing the oil and repairing any defects - the same goes for computer software.
2006-10-04 17:52:07 · answer #1 · answered by ear1grey 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well if you are talking about XP it has 2 service packs,
and Windows 2000 pro has 4 service packs.
It's beneficial to install these service packs, as they are a definite way to get rid of the bugs present in the operating system when they are released. There always remains some bugs in the O.S. which when discovered are then treated. Service packs are like medicines for your system and O.S.
2006-10-05 00:53:12 · answer #2 · answered by Lucky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
XP is currently on service pack 2. Service packs are just collections of major updates. If they're available, install them.
2006-10-05 00:52:50 · answer #3 · answered by Goffik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft has discovered bugs or security flaws after the program is issued. So they add "service packs" occasionally to fix these problems. You just download the fixes and the program is suppose to change automatically. (maybe) If your program came with the "service pack" it will be successful. If you add the service pack after you have your program it MAY be successful.
2006-10-05 01:04:13 · answer #4 · answered by cadsuch 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The service packs are updates to windows xp because microsoft was losing alot of money because people was sharing this software. So Microsft put a virus and or worm out every time you log on to your computer and you don't have a legitimate copy. If you do have a legit copy it will allow you to download these updates. Just there way of trying to see whose legal or illeagal. This something relatively new
2006-10-05 00:54:16 · answer #5 · answered by Lynne D 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on which version of windows you are talking about!! like xp pro has 4 service packs out,,, these are packages of updates, fixes, and enhancements put out to upgrade and correct problems with the original package of soft ware!!
2006-10-05 00:54:25 · answer #6 · answered by fuzzykjun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are software updates.. some are critical.. such as hackers always find ways to access ur system- and windows blocks it... most are beneficial, i have found some to screw up my system.... there can be an unlimited number....
2006-10-05 00:57:44 · answer #7 · answered by mikey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋