Microsoft continually updates Windows Vista, for example through security updates and compatibility and feature enhancements. These are made available through Windows Update. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) provides a collection of these updates. It includes improvements to security, reliability, performance and compatibility, as well as numerous enhancements to existing functions.
Windows Server 2008 provides a secure, stable platform for creating and deploying demanding applications. It also forms a powerful foundation for the next generation of web applications. New security features, improved management and web tools, developer support for new platforms, and access to relevant information throughout the enterprise enable innovative business solutions. Windows Server 2008 virtualisation technology can reduce costs, increase hardware utilisation, optimise infrastructure, simplify management and improve server availability.
Windows Vista market success
One year after its market launch, Microsoft has already sold more than 100 million Windows Vista licences. Numerous companies in Germany are currently testing Windows Vista, and some have already begun migrating. They include B. Braun, Computacenter, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Deutsche Bahn AG, Stadtwerke Düsseldorf and Inveso.
Because important and useful updates are already available, companies do not need to wait for SP1 before purchasing Windows Vista. Gartner analysts confirm this: “Microsoft has extensive experience delivering updates through services such as Windows Update, Microsoft Update and Automatic Update. Organisations should take SP1 into account in their testing and deployment plans, but should not significantly delay installing Windows Vista on new PCs while waiting for SP1.”
More security
A recent CSO study found that Windows Vista is significantly more secure than Windows XP. During the first six months it identified only 12 vulnerabilities in Windows Vista, compared with 36 in Windows XP. The complete study is available at http://www.csoonline.com/pdf/6_Month_Vista_Vuln_Report.pdf.
In addition to all security updates available through Windows Update, SP1 includes further improvements. The BitLocker function has been enhanced so that drives other than the boot drive can now also be encrypted. Microsoft provides further technical details about the improvements on TechNet.
Greater compatibility
Windows Vista SP1 supports almost 80,000 devices and components. More than 15,000 devices from over 600 partners are certified with the Windows Vista logo. More than 150 business-critical applications from well-known software manufacturers support Windows Vista, including the five most important security applications. Ninety-eight of the top 100 retail applications and 48 of the 50 most popular programs for consumers and small businesses on Download.com run on Windows Vista SP1.
Windows Vista SP1 provides significant improvements in hardware and device compatibility. In addition to previously released updates, SP1 contains solutions for specific reliability and performance issues. They support new types of hardware and extend support for various new standards. SP1 will make it even easier for IT administrators to install and manage Windows Vista.
Higher performance
Windows Vista SP1 improves response times in general. Users will notice this particularly when copying and extracting files, resuming from sleep or standby mode, using domain-connected PCs offline from the domain, and in longer battery life. It also reduces the log-in time between pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete and entering the password.
Installation
Customers will shortly be able to obtain Windows Vista SP1 in three ways:
- Windows Update downloads and installs SP1. This requires relatively little bandwidth because it applies only the changes needed on the individual computer. It therefore generally contains only one language and is about 60 MB in size.
- The standalone installation uses a separate file that the user downloads and installs. The download is approximately 550 MB for 32-bit systems and 850 MB for 64-bit systems because the file includes all 36 languages and more data than only the changes between Windows Vista and Windows Vista SP1. However, this method offers advantages when an internet connection is unavailable or limited, as well as for bulk installations using deployment tools such as Systems Management Server 2003 (SMS) or System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM).
- An integrated installation means that SP1 is incorporated into an operating system and both are installed together. It offers advantages when upgrading Windows XP PCs and computers without an operating system.
Recommendations
Microsoft generally recommends that consumers always enable Windows Update so they receive the most important security patches quickly. Alternatively, they can download Service Pack 1 manually at a later date through Windows Update or the Download Center. Small businesses should generally proceed in the same way as consumers. Enterprise customers with volume licence agreements can download the service pack through their MVLS access and receive it as part of Select media deliveries.
