Microsoft service pack faces delay

Microsoft said yesterday that it will delay the automatic download of its second service pack for the Korean version of Windows XP due to complaints from several Korean online service providers that the program’s security measures were too strict and blocked access to their sites. “For months, we warned companies that the new service pack would disable pop-up windows but they were not fully prepared so we’re giving them a little more time,” Microsoft Korea public relations official Kwon Chan said. The company’s decision came after major Internet companies protested that the new applications would cause problems in accessing their Web sites. Companies such as NHN and Daum Communications were mainly worried that users would have difficulty in installing and using their instant messenger programs. Nate.com was concerned because its popular mini homepage service Cyworld is based on a pop-up window program. Microsoft said that it met with these companies on Monday and promised technical support so that they could adjust their programs to run smoothly on the updated XP application. by Yoon Chang-hee, Wohn Dong-hee