Microsoft launches Vista SP1

04-02-2008

by Emmet Ryan

Microsoft has formally released Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) to manufacturers, though it won't become available to customers until March.

The first clients to get their hands on SP1 will be Microsoft's volume licensing customers.

Windows Vista SP1 apparently incorporates the feedback Microsoft has recieved from customers since the launch of Vista. The release is to focus on a range of areas, primarily compatibility, performance and reliability, as well as feedback on deployment and support.

According to Tom Murphy, head of public relations and community affairs at Microsoft Ireland, "Windows Vista SP1 also adds support for new types of hardware and adds support for several emerging standards. With SP1, it will be even easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage Windows Vista."

Windows Vista SP 1 includes improvements that are designed to help enhance the operating system's reliability, security and performance. While all of these aims are noble they fail to give SP1 an element of sizzle. In October Microsoft outlined the basic contents of the service pack and said at the time that it lacked elements for home users to get excited about. SP1 doesn't contain any must-have applications and the bulk of the improvements it bring are unseen, albeit welcome.

Windows Server 2008 was also released on Monday and will be available for purchase on 1 March. Windows Server 2008 aims to build on the strengths of past server systems and help give organisations a solid foundation for their IT infrastructure.