Upgrade #3: Updating Your Copy of Windows XP Microsoft is constantly updating its products so much so that the Windows XP you buy today is slightly different from the Windows XP that went on sale back in 2001. If you're running an older version of XP, you can update it to the new version by installing Service Pack 1. This software update upgrades your system to include all sorts of bug fixes and security patches, as well as adds the new features found on the version of XP currently distributed by Microsoft. To see which version of Windows XP you have installed on your computer, open My Computer, and then select Help, About Windows. The About Windows dialog box shows the version number (it should be 5.1) and whether Service Pack 1 has been installed. (If it doesn't mention the Service Pack, it isn't installed.) note  | Service Pack 1 is the update available mid-year 2003. By the time you read this book, it's possible Microsoft might have a Service Pack 2 or 3 available; make sure you upgrade to the most recent version! |
If you've purchased a new PC since fall 2002, you probably have the latest version of Windows XP with Service Pack 1 pre-installed. If you have an older version of XP, you can upgrade it with Service Pack 1 (SP1) by following these steps: Click the Windows Start button and select Help and Support to open the Help and Support Center window. Select Keep Your Computer Up-to-Date with Windows Update (in the Pick a Task section). Be sure you're connected to the Internet; this selection will take you online (to the Microsoft Windows Update Web site) to find out what updates are available that haven't yet been installed on your system. If this is the first time you've used this feature, you'll be prompted to install Microsoft's update software before you can continue. Follow the onscreen instructions to do this. tip  | You can also download SP1 directly by going to the Windows XP Service Pack 1 page, at www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/. This page is also where you order the SP1 update on CD. |
Assuming you don't have Service Pack 1 installed, the Windows Update application will sense this and prompt you to download and install the Service Pack. Just follow the onscreen instructions to complete the upgrade.
THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM One of Microsoft's big themes for Windows XP is, "it just works." I'd have to agree with that statement. It's worth the time and effort to upgrade if your system can cut the mustard. Just remember these key points: Windows XP is a 32-bit operating system that melds the stability of Windows NT/2000 with the user-friendliness of Windows 9X/Me. You need a relatively new and relatively powerful PC to run Windows XP with at least a 500MHz Pentium III processor and 256MB memory. Three different versions of Windows XP exist. Windows XP Home Edition contains all the features you need for home and small business use and Windows XP Professional contains additional functionality for corporate networks. The third version, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition, isn't a consideration for most users unless you have Intel's new Itanium 64-bit processor. You can choose to make a typical upgrade installation, or a "clean" installation which deletes all the programs and data from your hard drive before it installs the operating system. Even if you're already running Windows XP, you need to keep your system updated with the latest Service Packs, which you can download and install (for free) from Microsoft's Web site.
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