Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Bottom Line:Microsoft Vista SP1 represents a significant first move toward a faster, more secure, and slightly more open Vista.
Pros:Higher degree of program compatibility than with the RTM version. Increased speed when copying large files and connecting to networked PCs. Overall speed improvement as well. Improvements in BitLocker encryption. Configurable Search option.
Cons:No real indication of memory fixes when using large graphics files.

Reviewed by Neil Randall
A little over a year after the first appearance of Vista, Service Pack 1 (SP1) is nearly ready for download. [There have been a couple of release snafus, including the accidental release, on 2/21/08, of the 64-bit version.–Editor]. SP1 is a useful but not crucial update to the OS, and one that won’t greatly affect your computing day, at least not outwardly. The bulk of the development effort has gone toward upgrading security subsystems—elements that enterprise clients find appealing but consumers and small-business users won’t really notice (although they’ll feel better knowing about them). The bottom line is that there’s absolutely no reason not to download SP1 (which you’ll receive automatically if you have AutoUpdate turned on), so it’s almost a given that it will become the standard in the very near future.

Key Features:
* Type: Business, Personal, Enterprise, Professional
* Free: Yes
* OS Compatibility: Windows Vista
* Tech Support: Phone, online chat or email (90 day no charge, $59 per instance after), extensive newgroup and knowledge base support on Web site