MICROSOFT Corp. released a software update for its flagship computer operating system recently to make Windows XP more secure, reliable and open to modification.

　　Service Pack 1, Microsoft’s first major update to Windows XP since the launch of its trustworthy computing initiative and consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department, is now available on the software giant’s Web site or on a CD that can be ordered for US$9.95.

　　Users who signed up for automatic updates to their Windows XP operating system, which went on sale nearly a year ago, will be able to download the 32-megabyte chunk of software starting on Monday afternoon.

　　One of the most striking changes will be the ability to remove Microsoft’s default programs, such as Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player, from the desktop altogether.

　　Those changes, enabled by the software update, are part of Microsoft’s steps to comply with the antitrust settlement signed with the U.S. Justice Department last year, said Jim Cullinan, lead product manager for Windows XP.

　　The settlement must still be approved by a federal judge and is still opposed by nine states seeking stiffer sanctions.

　　The other major feature of Service Pack 1 is a range of features meant to enhance security, which has become a crucial effort for Microsoft.

　　One security feature is better management of cookies, or little snippets of information that Web site servers store on PCs, that gives users greater control of their information and privacy.

　　Shaken by break-ins to its own system and vulnerabilities in its software, Chairman Bill Gates sent a widely-publicized memo earlier this year stressing the need for Microsoft to boost security.

　　Many corporations have been slow to adopt Windows XP, partly because it is still new and requires a substantial investment during cash-strapped times and also because of security concerns.

　　“We hope the Service Pack will be a catalyst for IT managers to look at Windows XP again,” Cullinan said.

　　While previous versions of Windows XP — some 46 million were sold by the end of June — will require Service Pack 1, the update will be bundled into future products from about mid-October, Microsoft said.

　　In addition to the major security and program updates, the software update will pack in some new features as well.

　　The Service Pack adds support for USB 2.0, a new standard for universal serial bus peripherals that offers data transfer speeds up to 40 times faster.

　　Also, the Service Pack will add functionality to the Windows XP operating system for Windows XP Media Center, which PC hardware makers will use to introduce PC-based TV, music and video entertainment systems this fall.

　　(SD-Agencies)