Microsoft released RC1 of Windows XP SP2 to testers late last night. We"ve had the chance to sit down and install a copy and see what"s new and improved. Although there are no major changes at this late stage of the beta, there have still been minor changes. Pop-up blocking is now enabled by default and automatic updates are disabled by default. The windows firewall is still enabled by default on all network connections. We"ve taken a few screenshots of the updated bits that we could find.
SP2 RC1 is due to go into public preview to enable Microsoft to get better feedback on "broken" applications in Service Pack 2. Microsoft will release the public preview on Friday. We expect Microsoft to RTM SP2 in late April with a web release at the beginning of May.