Some questions seem to be answered already here, but I'll add a few more tidbits:
- The released "patch" is both UNofficial, and BETA - meaning it's not fully tested. However, it "seemed good enough" so was "pushed" via the auto-update feature built into Halo PC. (But then, that's all you're going to get from a 5+-year old video game!)
- 1.09-patched clients ARE SUPPOSED to still operate with 1.08 SERVERS, in addition to any updated, 1.09 servers.
- The patches apply to start-up aspects of the game only, and DO NOT affect gameplay in any way.
- It seems that there may be some conflicts with some configurations having certain Windows XP security updates installed. If you're having problems running the 1.09-patched version try running Windows Update and installing all the latest security updates it recommends.
- This is the first time I've ever seen a video game live through/be supported on FOUR OS releases. (W98SE, XP, Vista, W7)