Microsoft to Release XP Service Pack

Microsoft Corp. will release the first service pack for its Windows XP operating system on Sept. 9, adding new security measures and features to comply with proposed federal orders making it possible to remove certain programs.

Microsoft said Windows XP Service Pack 1, which adds features and patches problems with the software, would be available either through download from the company’s Web site or via a CD.

The company said the pack contains all the security updates it developed as part of the “Trustworthy Computing” initiative it launched this year, which Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said has cost $100 million.

The company has issued at least 30 security bulletins for its software since the launch of that program.