Windows Vista Service Pack 1 FAQ

Q. What is Windows Vista SP1?

A. Microsoft continuously improves the Windows Vista Operating System by providing ongoing updates while working with software and hardware vendors to help them to deliver improved compatibility, reliability and performance. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is another vehicle that Microsoft will use to deliver operating system improvements to customers. Windows Vista SP1 is an update to Windows Vista that, along with improvements delivered to users via these other channels, addresses feedback from our customers. In addition to previously released updates, SP1 will contain changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. SP1 also will continue to make it easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage Windows Vista.

Q. How does Windows Update deliver Windows Vista SP1?

A. Windows Update downloads the service pack to the computer and works within the operating system to install the service pack. This method requires relatively low bandwidth and minimizes network traffic because only the changes needed for a specific computer are downloaded.

Q. What is a stand-alone installation delivery method of Windows Vista SP1?

A. In a stand-alone installation, you use the stand-alone pack to upgrade computers that already are running the Windows Vista operating system. The download size of the stand-alone package is larger than the package applied with Windows Update. This method is recommended for: 1) Applying SP1 to computers without (or with limited) Internet connectivity 2) Applying the service pack to more than one computer using deployment tools such as Systems Management Server 2003 (SMS) or System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM).

Q. When will Windows Vista SP1 be released?

A. SP1 will be released in the first quarter of calendar year 2008.

Microsoft has now released a public Windows Vista SP1 RC for those who want to preview Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Hope that helps!

Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP
www.marctalkstech.com

Note: This blog entry was originally posted on www.marclironblog.com. View original post