More than a year after its release, Windows Vista will receive its first service pack (SP1) update on 13 March. Microsoft has released details of the updates Vista users can expect from SP1.
"Windows Vista today is much better than the version we originally shipped over a year ago and will continue to improve," says Microsoft business group executive for the Windows client Colin Erasmus.
Compared to Windows XP SP2, Microsoft's last service pack release, Vista's upgrades seem to be largely code- and performance-based updates. Features in the SP1 release for Vista seem to be primarily for the Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions of the operating system.
According to Erasmus, the pack includes improvements in compatibility for several devices and applications. "Ninety-eight of the 100 top-selling applications and 46 of the top 50 downloaded consumer applications on Download.com are now compatible with Windows Vista.
"A year ago, when Vista launched, 13 000 components were supported on Windows update and devices, and now around 54 000 are supported using this automatic system," explains Erasmus.
He says the company has added bug fixes for crashed systems involving both Microsoft and third-party applications.
Erasmus notes that performance improvements will be marked. "Copying or moving files around your PC, home network, or corporate network is now up to 50% faster. Resuming from sleep is faster on several kinds of hardware, letting mobile users keep on the go, and helping desktop users to save power." Battery life on several laptops is also expected to improve.
Security updates in SP1 focuses on the mobile user; however, Microsoft is adamant that Vista is its most secure operating system to date. "According to our data, you are 60% less likely to be infected with spyware and malware if using Windows Vista compared to Windows XP SP2," states Erasmus.
For Microsoft power users, SP1 has included changes to improve management, configuration and deployment of Windows Vista. "We have included improved network diagnostics, a more efficient remote desktop protocol, and more configurable disk defragmenter."
Erasmus says SA has reached a peak technology refresh period and "that, as well as SP1, will drive the sales of Vista this year". Enterprise business has always taken longer to install new technologies, because of longer adoption cycles, he explains.
"With people looking at new hardware, which is supported by the Vista operating system, we are also expecting better adoption this year."
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