TheCrucible.ca has just posted an article comparing several versions of windows, including the newly leaked SP2 Build 2082. Many benchmarks are included! Here's a snip.

With Windows XP SP2 and Windows XP Reloaded just around the corner, we thought we would bring you a little sneak peak at what new features, and what to expect from these new releases. We managed to wrangle up a copy of SP2 Build 2082. This will be one of the last interim builds before SP2 is released within the next two months.

Even though the next generation Windows product is not due until late 2005 or even 2006, here's a look at what Microsoft has in store for us. For those of you that are lucky enough to have snagged a copy, remember this, Build 4053 is still a baby, not even in Beta stage yet, so this review will not go in depth into subjects such as the theme, sidebar, etc.

Thanks to the guy's at the other batcave WinOScentral for the Info:

I was just answering a question in the forums about Windows prefetch and ran across a nice little VBS script which you can cut and paste into notepad, save it as a .vbs file, then save it to a directory on your computer and then run the "Task Scheduler" wizard and have this file run once a month so you don't have to worry about your prefetch cache getting to large.

NeoWin reports that only minutes ago Microsoft changed the layout to its internal MSN Messenger homepage, which seems to be related to the release of MSN Messenger 6.2! The exact date of arrival can be found on the new, rather orange (coincident?) pages: Thursday, April 08, 2004.

According to sources at Iexbeta, the latest known build of Longhorn [build 4053] has finally leaked!

IpKonfig have thrown up their look at the newest build 2082 of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.

The last build version we chipped away at was 2055. The latest is 2082, with a much closer look at the (somewhat) final release due out within the next two months. Previously we showed screen shots of some changes, and so too are we again. However, these screen shots indicate more of a custom finish to the Windows Security features in Service Pack 2.

On friday the 16th of april, Microsoft introduces a new member to the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer-family. Inspired by Cyberscapes, Digital Rhytmic, Movement, Mechanisms, Layering and X-ray Microsoft brings us the Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer - Night Vision. The mouse is identical to the other Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer mice and has the same specifications including Tilt Wheel Technology, Enhanced Grip, Ergonomic Design, 5 Customizable Buttons and Optical/wireless interface.

The launch price will be 75-80USD. A picture can be found Here Best Regards. fuze, HardwareOnline.dk

It's large in size because the network install file contains the updates for Media Center Edition, Media Center Edition 2004 and updates Tablet PC to version 2004. It will only install these vpdates on PCs running XPMCE or XPTPC. Express is going to be the way to go for the average end user.

WinBoard hat nach dem Windows XP SP1 Update Pack 1.5 nun auch Update Packs für Windows 98/98SE/2000. Bei dem Packet für Windows 98/98SE handelt es sich um die Version 1.0, beim Packet zur Windows 2000 um die Version 1.6.
Die Packete funktionieren nur mit den deutschen Versionen von Windows. Als Voraussetzung zur Installation des Windows 2000 Update Pack 1.6 wird das aktuelle Service Pack 4 und das aktuelle Serivce Pack 1 zum Internet Explorer 6 benötigt. Beim Windows 98/98SE Update Pack 1.0 wird nur das aktuelle Serive Pack 1 zum Internet Explorer 6 benötigt. Klickt auf 'mehr' um an die Links zu kommen.

These videos show how Longhorn can be used in different industries while more Concept Videos will be coming soon.

How can Longhorn's new platform technologies help you deliver solutions in your particular industry? Watch video demonstrations as Carter Maslan from Microsoft's Platform Strategy and Partner Group highlights some of the work being done in various industries to create a new class of connected applications.

Thanks to Creamhackered over at Neowin.net for the Info:

We've received some information and screenshots on Yukon Beta 2. It seems Microsoft has been working steadily on Yukon since it's release to testers in July 2003. That was Beta 1 and this is Beta 2. We're not sure if this build (2000.090.0757.00) was the first build to be tagged Beta 2 but according to documentation and the installer screenshots we've received it's definitely Beta 2. Included in this build is the .NET Framework 2.0 which has previously only been available for Longhorn.

GeekNewz reports that the latest winxp sp2 build has been released out of redmond. As usual testers can go to windowsbeta to download. At the moment its only the express but they promise to release the full 342mb a bit later probably tomorrow.

Just after screenshots of build 2077 of Windows XP SP2 were seen on the web, a new build was announced to beta testers. Windows XP SP2 2082 , according to the email, "contains a significant number of fixes and improvements since the initial beta release and we ask that you take some time to evaluate our progress and provide us with feedback on this build.

Just released to beta testers this week, Windows Server 2003 SP1 Build 1159 includes the fixes for the following issues which are not in builds 1069/1137:

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Thanks to Mertsch in our Forums FYI. A little birdy has whispered in our ear and has let us know that Microsoft are planning to release a new SP2 build to its beta testers very soon. We're currently waiting on a build that is "fit" (in simple terms) to go out to beta testers and Microsoft are taking every effort to ensure the release of this interim build is a smooth one unlike the Beta 1 where 1000's of testers were left waiting to download the release. This evening Microsoft held a online meeting for 'Lonestar' (Tablet PC 2004) testers where they demo'd a new build of XPSP2 which apparently included the Tablet PC bits. This build was Build 2600.xpsp.040213-1845(Service Pack 2, v.2081) which means it was compiled on the 13th February 2004. According to sources close to Microsoft we're likely to see a new build released to testers that will include the 'Lonestar' bits as early as next week. View Screenshots

WinBeta reports that Microsoft has just notified current beta testers about the availability of a new Service Pack 1 build for Windows Server 2003.According to the e-mail this build, 1159, include the fixes for the following issues which are not in builds 1069/1137:

Security Update for Windows XP (KB828028) Security Update for Microsoft Data Access Components (KB832483) Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 (KB832894)

HardOCP reports that Microsoft is offering a free update CD with the latest Patches and updates for the most Windows operating systems.
The Windows Security Update CD will be shipped to you free of charge. This CD includes Microsoft critical updates released through October 2003 and information to help you protect your PC. In addition, you will also receive free antivirus and firewall trial software. This CD is only available for Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE). Get more informations over here

GamePC have thrown up their look at Windows XP 64-bit Build 3790! Here's a snip.

As the release of the operating system has drawn closer, third-party manufacturers are starting to release compatible X86-64 driver sets - a vital element in getting XP 64-bit Edition accepted into the mainstream. While the number of available components with compatible drivers is still incredibly small, big players like nVidia and VIA are stepping up and releasing drivers.

KB831937: This Hotfix corrects specific application compatibility issues with DirectX 9.0 changes in the DirectShow DV Decoder and Multiplexer Changes made in DirectX 9.0 has the potential to affect two configurations:
1) Print to tape using a DVCPro device with a non-MS DV encoder may result in audio dropouts or complete loss of audio.
2) Decoding of a live or file-based DV stream with the PAL bit erroneously set in some frames may cause decoding to stutter or halt completely.

Thanks to Tim @ Majorgeeks.com for the Heads up! Microsoft has never released a service pack for Windows98 SE. But I made a Service Pack for Windows98 SE users. It contains all Windows98 SE updates from WindowsUpdate site and more.