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I'm so glad you asked! We've been going back and forth with the release of the new Windows XP Service Pack 3 for so long, it looks like we here at WorldStart forgot to mention its new features. I do apologize for that, but hopefully today's tip will make up for lost time. Let's get started!

The Windows XP SP3 doesn't really come with any major attractions, but it does include four minor new features that improve the system's reliability and security. Contrary to popular belief, Microsoft has been very up front about the new additions for quite some time now. Below is a list of the new features you can expect to find in the Windows XP SP3.

They are as follows:

Network Access Protection Compatibility - This one was actually announced a few years ago, but it's just now making its debut. This new feature allows XP machines to interact with the NAP application in Windows Server 2008. That functionality is built into the RTM version of Windows Vista as well.

Keyless Product Install - As with Windows Vista, the new XP SP3 install can be done without entering in a product key code during the setup.

Kernel Mode Cryptographics Module - This is a new kernel module that, according to Microsoft, "encapsulates several different cryptographic algorithms."

"Black Hole" Router Detection Algorithm - With this, XP gains the ability to ignore network routers that incorrectly drop certain kinds of network packets. This is also a feature in Windows Vista.

There you have it. As you can see, the new features aren't anything out of the ordinary or overly dramatic, but that's what Microsoft promised. And let's face it, it's kind of nice that way, don't you think? Either way, I hope you enjoy your new XP SP3!

~ Ramachandran Kumaraswami