I just thought I'd mention that both of these have been released. I'm using Direct X 8.1b and all seems fine, but I can't notice any increase in performance over 8.1.
Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (124 MB file, so modem users be prepared) is available on download sites and is officially released tommorow. I haven't tried it yet, and supposedly there are issues with it on some machines. If you try it, be sure to check the "back up my current installation" box. It appears Microsoft has also altered the license agreement adding:
- If you choose to utilize the update features within the OS
Product or OS Components, it is necessary to use certain
computer system, hardware, and software information to
implement the features. By using these features, you
explicitly authorize Microsoft or its designated agent to
access and utilize the necessary information for updating
purposes. Microsoft may use this information solely to
improve our products or to provide customized services or
technologies to you. Microsoft may disclose this
information to others, but not in a form that personally
identifies you.
- The OS Product or OS Components contain components that
enable and facilitate the use of certain Internet-based
services. You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may
automatically check the version of the OS Product and/or its
components that you are utilizing and may provide upgrades
or fixes to the OS Product that will be automatically
downloaded to your computer.
That means Microsoft can now legally scan your computer and automatically download programs to your computer anytime they feel like it. They also now have permission to release information about your comptuer to 3rd parties. It looks a lot like a Windows XP license to me.
(Service Pack 3 will not be going on my machine.)
