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Microsoft has been pushing Windows XP Service
Pack 2 via Windows Update ever since it was released back in
August. However, unbeknownst to most folks, SP2 is also available
on CD for free. All you have to do is
fill out the order form on the Windows XP site, and Microsoft
will send you the CD for free. Not only is the CD free, but there’s
no shipping charge either.

While the information on the order page states
that it may take approximately 4-6 weeks for shipping, many people
are reporting that they received their CDs within a couple of
weeks.

And, best of all, installing SP2 from the CD is
a snap. You just insert the CD, wait for Autostart to kick in, and
then just follow the onscreen instructions. Another benefit is that
you can install SP2 easily on multiple PCs without having to
download it via Windows Update on each PC.