Microsoft nixes SP5 for Windows 2000
Microsoft had originally intended to make Service Pack 5 available for Windows 2000 at some point in 2005. After discussions with customers still using the OS, they have decided against releasing a fifth and final service pack for Win2K. Instead, they will offer an "update rollup," a final collection of patches and fixes that will consist mostly of previously-released stuff. The update rollup is intended to be the final significant update to the OS, although Microsoft will continue security updates and other support through its intended lifecycle. Currently, mainstream support will end in June 2005, with extended support to go on until 2010. That could change — Microsoft originally intended Windows 98 and ME support to be ended in January of this year, but decided to continue supporting the spawn of Windows 98 through June 2006.
