Definition: Often abbreviated as SP, a service pack is a collection of updates and fixes, called patches, for an operating system or a software program. Many of these patches are often released before the larger service pack, but the service pack allows for an easy, single installation. Service packs also often include new features in addition to fixes.
Checking to see what service pack is installed on your Windows operating system is really easy:
Also Known As: SP
Examples: "After installing Service Pack 3 (SP3) for Windows XP, my computer finally started shutting down normally. There was a patch in SP3 that fixed a problem I was having."
