Late today, Microsoft released the first Windows XP Service Pack 2 release candidate, which would be the first near-final version.
Until now, Microsoft provided the software to a select group of testers. From Friday, Microsoft will open up access to a broader group under a technical preview program. Information will be available here by March 19. I highly encourage every business customer or developer to download and test the update.
I am downloading XP SP2 RC1 right now and will blog about it, particularly finishing touches to the new Security Center, over the next couple days. [Microsoft Monitor]