UPDATE: Windows XP SP3 is now available via Windows Update. Enjoy!

It's been rumored for some time that Windows XP Service Pack 3 would be available soon... and it almost was a few days ago. Microsoft found an issue with SP3 which is causing a delay in its availability. I would guess that it'll be released sometime in the next few weeks.

If you'd like to read up on it, check out Microsoft's Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview document. The information is a little technical but it's still readable. It outlines some of the new features SP3 provides Windows XP users (don't get excited - it's nothing fancy) and provides a link to information on what sorts of problems SP3 fixes.

Here's some more service pack information for your reading pleasure:

What is a Service Pack?
How To Find What Service Pack Level Your Windows XP PC Is Running