Windows XP Service Pack 2 ready to secure Arabic Windows XP PCs

Dubai, 3rd October 2004: Microsoft, today announced that the Arabic language version of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is available to download and order online. This free service pack delivers the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft, establishes strong default security settings, and adds new proactive protection features that will help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks.

"Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Mazen Shehadah, Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft South Gulf. "It is the result of sustained investments in innovation and extensive industry collaboration. It also reflects a broad recognition that as the security environment changes, the industry needs to work together to respond."

Service Pack 2 had been designed to make Windows XP more secure by default, by automatically activating security settings and giving users better visibility and management of their security status.

The English and Arabic versions of the service pack are available to download now from the Microsoft website. Customers without reliable Internet connections who wish to obtain Service Pack 2 on CD can order a free disc from: www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx.

"Windows XP Service Pack 2 is a major release for Microsoft, that, once installed will create the most secure Windows operating system ever. As such, it is important that we encourage as many users as possible to understand the benefits of SP2 and to make sure their PCs are updated with it.

-Ends-

About SP2
Windows XP Service Pack 2 was designed by Microsoft to provide proactive protection for Windows XP. Service Pack 2 has three main focus areas:

Stronger security settings. Service Pack 2 establishes stronger default security settings and includes updates with new features and tools designed to help customers better defend their systems and information from security threats. This means safer browsing and communications for consumers plus an improved security infrastructure for businesses.

Increased manageability and control. Service Pack 2 makes it easier to configure and manage security resources with new functionality, more accessible and intuitive security tools, and the new Windows Security Center.

Improved and more-secure experiences. Service Pack 2 includes updates for key drivers, updated support for new technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - especially around security - and security updates for other key features, all of which provide a safer end-user experience and thus enable more productive and enjoyable computing.

About Microsoft Corporation
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Microsoft opened its Dubai-based Middle East office in 1991. Microsoft today has five subsidiaries in the Middle East region: Microsoft South Gulf which oversees Microsoft activities in the UAE, Oman, Yemen and Pakistan, Microsoft North Gulf which oversees Microsoft activities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, Microsoft Arabia covering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Microsoft East Med covering , Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus and Malta and Microsoft Egypt. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middleeast

For further information contact:
Microsoft contact:
Malek Bayaa
Microsoft South Gulf
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates            
Tel: 00-9714-3917000
Fax: 00-9714-3917001             
 
Media contact:
Mark Sutton
ASDA'A Public Relations
Tel: 00-9714-3344550
Fax: 00-9714-3344556
Email: m.sutton@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2004