The final release of Windows XP Service Pack 1 is now available for download by the general public. SP1 is a cumulative update containing all previously released security and bug fixes, as well as patches for new issues. In accordance with an anti-trust agreement between Microsoft and the Department of Justice, it also includes tools that will let users hide Microsoft applications that come bundled with the operating system, such as Media Player. You can use Windows Update to get the service pack, which is around 135 MB, or directly download it here. Also check out Microsoft’s Windows XP SP1 web site for more information, although as of this writing it still hasn’t been updated to reflect the SP’s availability.

(N-Stalker Security Force)