Service pack
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A Service Pack (more commonly, SP) is a software program that corrects known bugs, problems, or adds new features. Companies that produce large applications such as Microsoft and their Windows NT-based operating systems typically release a service pack when the number of individual patches to the application becomes too large. Service Packs are easier to install than groups of patches, especially with multiple computers that need to be updated over a network.
- Windows NT 4.0 currently has 6 Service Packs.
- Windows 2000 currently has 4 Service Packs.
- Windows XP currently has 2 Service Packs.
They are available for download on the official website.
See also Windows Update
In IBM midrange and mainframe parlance, individual patches and small groups of patches, when distributed in user-installable form, are referred to as PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes), and large groups of patches distributed to end-users are referred to as Cumulative PTF packages ("CUME" or "CUM" tapes or CDs).
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