Windows XP forum: XP Service Pack?

Well, SP1 is the first service pack for XP, SP1a was later released to address a few compatibility issues that came up with some systems. If you already have SP1 installed and everything seems to be working fine, you don't need SP1a. You will want the upcoming SP2 due out this summer sometime. I've already seen beta versions floating about, but I wouldn't use that on anything but a spare system myself.

SP1 - Original rollup of fixes including MS Java.
SP1a - Same, but with MS Java removed.

References:
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/sp1/default.asp "Windows XP Service Pack 1"

http://www.theeldergeek.com/java_virtual_machine.htm
" - What's the deal with Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 1a as they relate to Java?
A - It's a long story but basically if you have an older copy of XP (often referred to as a Gold copy) then JVM is installed with the operating system. If you updated to SP1 (no longer available) then JVM remained intact. If you updated to SP1a then JVM was removed, or if your copy of XP was manufactured and shipped after SP1a was released then JVM was never present on your machine. The only difference between SP1 and SP1a is that JVM isn't a part of SP1a. The safest way to know for sure if JVM is present is to use the method described above."

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/
"Available later this year, Windows XP Service Pack 2 will bring users the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft. It will establish stronger security settings that help defend against viruses, hackers and worms and will provide unique new security features designed to make it easier for you to protect your PC."

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/sp2preview.mspx
"WARNING!

This technical preview is unsupported and is intended for testing purposes only. Do not use in production environments."
More at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/winxp/WindowsXPSPFS.asp

Thank you for explaining th edifference between SP1 and SP1a. However, this leads me to another question since I'm a novice PC user. What is the purpose Java VM? Do I need it? Has MS replaced it with something else? Any additional info would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.
Walt (wlanin)

from this site:
http://www.virtualmachine.tk/

If you decide to install MVM make sure you check Windows Update site for all patches available.