Windows Vista SP1 Beta Officially Announced

After many weeks of misinformation, Microsoft has finally offered public, official information on the upcoming beta release of Vista's first Service Pack, aka SP1.

Here's the important data:
* SP1 will contain changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues we’ve identified via customer feedback, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. SP1 also makes additional improvements to the IT administration experience.

* A Beta release of Windows Vista SP1 is slated for availability in the next few weeks. A small group of testers has been putting a preview of the SP1 Beta through its paces to help prepare for broader release.

* The actual release of SP1 will come in the first quarter of 2008, give or take. Microsoft is already admitting this date could move either way (though most likely, later into 2008, should substantial problems arise with the beta).

* The standalone service pack will be a 1GB file and will require 7GB of free space on your hard drive to install. "Express" installation will require only a 50MB download (but also 7GB of free space for installation). You get back most of that space after the installation is done.

Microsoft would also like you to know that Vista is so awesome that you don't need to get excited about a service pack and that it is always looking out for your best interests by rolling out pre-service-pack updates like these.


Source :
- Windows Vista SP1 Beta Officially Announced
- Announcing Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Beta

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