Microsoft has released a toolkit to let businesses block service pack updates for Windows XP, Vista and Server 2003. Although service packs - particularly in the case of Vista - are keenly awaited by many users, some businesses prefer to test the packs before upgrading to assure compatibility with existing hardware and applications.   more info > http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000...39291415,00.htm   via osnews.com

"Leading up to next week's public beta-test release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Release Candidate, Microsoft today has published a 17-page document outlining in fine detail exactly what difference SP1 makes to Vista. Some of the contents has been shared in bits in the past, but this is so far the most comprehensive 'changelog' we've ever seen and probably will see as the final version is not expected to differ much from the RC, with the exception of WGA modifications."   linked via > ht

more info > http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2200774,00.asp   and > http://neosmart.net/blog/2007/windows-xp-s...lysis-included/     What's new in SP3 ?   more info > http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2200799,00.asp

go here   http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/audsel.mspx     cheers

Microsoft has apologized for a Windows Server update that automatically installed the Windows Desktop Search tool on users' desktops without approval. The mistake happened because Microsoft reused the same update package for when WDS was first published in February as an optional update that was only applicable to systems with the search tool previously installed.   via osnews.com

The first officially-released build of Windows XP SP3 has surfaced, with 1073 patches/hotfixes and several new features. This build has been made available to testers as a part of the Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 beta program and is available in English, German, and Japanese.   vis osnews.com

"Responding to feedback from customers and third parties, Microsoft has extended the availability of Windows XP to both original equipment manufacturers and retail channels through to June 30, 2008. Originally slated to be pulled from retail shelves and OEMs on January 30, 2008 - only a year after Windows Vista's debut - customers requested more time to prepare for the upgrade to Vista."   more info > http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070...-execution.html   via osnews.com

Microsoft has lost its appeal against a record 497m euro (£343m; $690m) fine imposed by the European Commission in a long-running competition dispute.   full story > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6998272.stm