Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Windows 7 SP1 (and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1) now available for public download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-now-available-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-now-available-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/windows-7-sp1-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-now-available-for/#commentsMicrosoft told us to clear our pipes for a hefty download on the 22nd of February, and sure enough, the software giant is delivering. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 is now available for public consumption, with the company also confirming that 7601.17514.101119-1850 is the final RTM. We'd bother telling you more, but we know you've already dug into the source link in order to get your download a-hoppin'. Just make sure you uninstall any pre-releases of SP1 before doing the deed with this one, and if you're updating just a single PC, you're probably better off waiting for everything to flow through Windows Update. Your call, though.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Windows 7 SP1 (and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1) now available for public download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadmicrosoftMSDNservice pack 1ServicePack1software updateSoftwareUpdatesp1updatewindowswindows 7windows 7 sp1windows serverwindows server 2008 r2 sp1Windows7Windows7Sp1WindowsServerWindowsServer2008R2Sp1Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 available for everyone on February 22nd]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/10/windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-available-for-everyone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/10/windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-available-for-everyone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/10/windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-sp1-available-for-everyone/#commentsGet ready for it because the final release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) have just been handed off to Microsoft's OEM partners. What that means for you is that starting February 22nd you can download Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center or via Windows Update. MSDN and TechNet subscribers will see the official updates a bit earlier on February 16th... about the same time they'll be released unofficially into the bitTorrent and usenet wilds.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 available for everyone on February 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>service pack 1ServicePack1sp1windows 7windows 7 sp1windows serverwindows server 2008 r2 sp1Windows7Windows7Sp1WindowsServerWindowsServer2008R2Sp1Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 sees public beta release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/windows-7-and-server-2008-r2-service-pack-1-sees-public-beta-rel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/windows-7-and-server-2008-r2-service-pack-1-sees-public-beta-rel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/windows-7-and-server-2008-r2-service-pack-1-sees-public-beta-rel/#commentsWe knew good and well it was coming, and here it is. Microsoft has today introduced the Release Candidate (RC) of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) to the public, and for those unaware of how these software rollouts "work," the RC release generally signals that a final build is just about ready. As previously announced, the only new features added to the SP1 are the Windows Server 2008 R2-related virtualization technologies, Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX, and while Windows 7 SP1 will enable PCs to take advantage of these server-based features to provide a more scalable and richer VDI experience for end users, there are no additional new features specific to Windows 7. If that's cool with you, there's a source link (and a download) waiting for you just below.

[Thanks, Logan]

Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 sees public beta release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>operating systemOperatingSystemosRCrelease candidateRelease to ManufacturingReleaseCandidateReleaseToManufacturingRTMservice packservice pack 1ServicePackServicePack1softwaresp1windowsWindows 7windows serverwindows server 2008Windows7WindowsServerWindowsServer2008Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 Service Pack 1 public beta due next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/windows-7-service-pack-1-public-beta-due-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/windows-7-service-pack-1-public-beta-due-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/windows-7-service-pack-1-public-beta-due-next-month/#commentsBefore you start getting excited for something along the lines of Vista's famed SP1, you should know that the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 that Microsoft plans to release shortly is merely a combination of existing updates, outside of the new Remote Desktop to support new Windows Server 2008 SP1 features. Still, that's not exactly a bad thing: Windows 7 doesn't require same sort of service pack "rescue" Vista did, and Microsoft's hope is that a feature-stable, combined update could promote some enterprise holdouts to finally take the plunge. The public beta of SP1 will be released at the end of July, with the final version to presumably be released soon after.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 public beta due next month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftremote desktopRemoteDesktopremotefxservice pack 1ServicePack1sp1windowswindows 7windows 7 sp1windows server 2008Windows7Windows7Sp1WindowsServer2008Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 SP1 beta leaks out, screenshots ensue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/windows-7-sp1-beta-leaks-out-screenshots-ensue/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/windows-7-sp1-beta-leaks-out-screenshots-ensue/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/windows-7-sp1-beta-leaks-out-screenshots-ensue/#comments
Microsoft's already let out word that it's working on Windows 7 Service Pack 1, but it looks like the OS' first big update has now leaked out slightly ahead of schedule -- or a recent build of it, anyway. As expected there aren't any significant changes that are immediately apparent -- the biggest is the added RemoteFX functionality when paired with Windows Server -- but the install process is apparently at least much faster than it was for service packs on Windows Vista. Still no word on a proper release date from Microsoft just yet, but you can now check out a few more screenshots at the source link below.

Windows 7 SP1 beta leaks out, screenshots ensue originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leakmicrosoftscreenshotsservice pack 1ServicePack1sp1windowswindows 7windows 7 service pack 1windows 7 spWindows7Windows7ServicePack1Windows7SpWed, 07 Apr 2010 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Surface gets its first Service Pack, devs and yacht owners rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/17/microsofts-surface-gets-its-first-service-pack-devs-and-yacht/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/17/microsofts-surface-gets-its-first-service-pack-devs-and-yacht/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/17/microsofts-surface-gets-its-first-service-pack-devs-and-yacht/#comments Forget the future for just one second. Kicking off its TechEd conference last week, Microsoft released Service Pack 1 for its tabletop-inclined Surface. The update's mostly developer-centric -- not too surprising given its small customer base at present -- with one of the only bullet points that'll directly interest the end user being new calibration guides for setting up the system without needing an external display. No indication on if set up still requires a keyboard a mouse, but if that's a concern, keep your fingers crossed they find a way around that before you pony up the $13,000 to join Lazarra and Roker as an early adopter.

Filed under: ,

Microsoft's Surface gets its first Service Pack, devs and yacht owners rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 May 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft surfacemicrosoft surface service pack 1microsoft surface sp1MicrosoftSurfaceMicrosoftSurfaceServicePack1MicrosoftSurfaceSp1msftservice packservice pack 1ServicePackServicePack1sp1surfacesurface service pack 1surface sp1SurfaceServicePack1SurfaceSp1Sun, 17 May 2009 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows XP SP3 hits Windows Update, Vista SP1 makes a comeback]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/windows-xp-sp3-hits-windows-update-vista-sp1-makes-a-comeback/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/windows-xp-sp3-hits-windows-update-vista-sp1-makes-a-comeback/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/06/windows-xp-sp3-hits-windows-update-vista-sp1-makes-a-comeback/#commentsAt last the moment you've been waiting for. Microsoft wants to hit your version of Windows with an update, and this time you don't have to go rummaging around the internet to find it: just fire up Windows Update and let Microsoft do all the work. After a few false starts XP users get the much-anticipated SP3 update, which promises speed boosts and some of the fancy security features found in Vista. If you're a Vista user you're also in luck, since Microsoft has restarted its Vista SP1 distribution after some compatibility problems with Microsoft Dynamics RMS. Sounds like a party.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: ,

Windows XP SP3 hits Windows Update, Vista SP1 makes a comeback originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 May 2008 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1sp3vistawindowswindows updateWindowsUpdatexpTue, 06 May 2008 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Vista promo video just a "spoof"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-vista-promo-video-just-a-spoof/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-vista-promo-video-just-a-spoof/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/17/microsofts-vista-promo-video-just-a-spoof/#comments
Turns out Microsoft's unfathomably horrendous Vista SP1 promo video that turned up yesterday was just one great big spoof -- a spoof Redmond apparently had no qualms spending a good bit of dough on rather than just re-dubbing some old video from yesteryear. Nevertheless, a company representative said to be "familiar with the reason behind the production" noted that "they thought folks internally would get a kick out of not taking themselves so seriously all the time, but some people thought that's exactly what they were being -- serious." He continues on to say that this "little piece of art" had "caused quite a few laughs in Microsoft's hallways." Um, yeah -- and here in the outside world we aren't laughing any quieter just knowing this masterpiece of comedy was indeed intended as a joke.

[Thanks, Rooshma]

Filed under: ,

Microsoft's Vista promo video just a "spoof" originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpromo videoPromoVideorockin our salesRockinOurSalessp1videovistavista sp1VistaSp1windowsThu, 17 Apr 2008 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Vista SP1 early adopters reporting problems, how about you?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/some-vista-sp1-early-adopters-reporting-problems-how-about-you/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/some-vista-sp1-early-adopters-reporting-problems-how-about-you/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/some-vista-sp1-early-adopters-reporting-problems-how-about-you/#commentsAlright folks, it's been a whole day with Vista SP1, and like any OS release, reaction is mixed -- although we're certain the people with problems are being more vocal than the rest. As you'd expect, major complaints seem to center around driver issues, that perpetual thorn in Vista's side -- sound cards seem to be the major problem, although there are also reports that NVIDIA drivers are being finicky. For what it's worth, Windows Update won't offer SP1 to anyone running what Microsoft calls "problematic drivers," until they're updated, but that includes several machines sold with Vista pre-installed, which is causing some confusion. In addition, older versions of security software like BitDefender AV and Zone Alarm are flat-out blocked from running on SP1, but updates are apparently available. Obviously that's a lot of chatter, so we figured we'd ask the experts -- how'd it go? Any speed-ups or slow-downs to report? All your drivers and apps still working? Let us know in comments!

[Via Pocket-lint]

Read - Official Windows Team Blog entry on getting SP1 to appear in Windows Update
Read - List of problematic drivers
Read - PC Pro article on Vista SP1 problems

Filed under: ,

Some Vista SP1 early adopters reporting problems, how about you? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1windowsWed, 19 Mar 2008 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 officially released]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/18/vista-sp1-officially-released/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/18/vista-sp1-officially-released/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/18/vista-sp1-officially-released/#commentsLooks like all those rumors yesterday were true -- Microsoft has just posted up the official standalone version of Vista SP1. Sure, you've been able to get it in one way or another for a while now, but if you're into silly things like "legit OS updates," the wow (SP1) is now.

Update: Here are the release notes -- as we've known for a while now, it's mostly bug fixes and performance tweaks, but the sheer volume of 'em is something to behold.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 officially released originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsbreakingnewsmicrosoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 officially coming tomorrow?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/17/vista-sp1-officially-coming-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/17/vista-sp1-officially-coming-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/17/vista-sp1-officially-coming-tomorrow/#comments
It's already got its own toilet paper in Japan, but the rest of us are still patiently waiting for Vista SP1 to officially hit -- but maybe not for much longer: DailyTech is reporting that SP1 will be available for download starting tomorrow, with boxed copies to follow on store shelves Wednesday. While Microsoft's PR team wouldn't confirm anything other than "on track for mid-March" to The Register, it seems the company has been a little more forthcoming with its pals at Amazon, which is also listing March 18th as the release date for SP1. That's some fishy fish, but there's only one way to find out for reals -- nap time, here we come.

Read - DailyTech
Read - El Reg
Read - Amazon

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 officially coming tomorrow? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lets loose Vista SP1 for x64-based systems]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/microsoft-lets-loose-vista-sp1-for-x64-based-systems/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/microsoft-lets-loose-vista-sp1-for-x64-based-systems/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/microsoft-lets-loose-vista-sp1-for-x64-based-systems/#comments
Not a whole lot to say here, but if you're running Vista on an x64-based system, you've probably already noticed a little surprise courtesy of Windows Update, which today started pushing out the x64 edition of Vista Service Pack 1. If you've been following things in SP1 land, you'll notice that's actually ahead of the neat and tidy Windows Update launch for non-x64 systems, but behind the unofficial options already available. On the upside, that should mean that all the bugs have been ironed out, but you can never be too careful, so take all your usual pre-update precautions and let us know how it all works out in the comments below.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: ,

Microsoft lets loose Vista SP1 for x64-based systems originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1windows vistaWindowsVistax64Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 doesn't significantly boost performance, slows down certain tasks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/13/vista-sp1-doesnt-significantly-boost-performance-slows-down-ce/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/13/vista-sp1-doesnt-significantly-boost-performance-slows-down-ce/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/13/vista-sp1-doesnt-significantly-boost-performance-slows-down-ce/#commentsWe heard a lot of different performance claims about Vista SP1 in past few months, and now that it's finally (sort of) here, it's time to bust out the stopwatches and see what's what. According to CNET, early tests of SP1 indicate that while there are some performance enhancements to be had, they're mostly driver related -- so if you've been updating all along, you won't see much of an improvement. What's worse, certain tasks like copying files to USB 2.0 hard drives have gotten around 50 percent slower, a speed hit that overshadows the other filesystem improvements in SP1. All in all, though, it looks like SP1 is a worthwhile update -- just don't expect anything to get noticeably faster.

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 doesn't significantly boost performance, slows down certain tasks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 out now... for beta testers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/vista-sp1-out-now-for-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/vista-sp1-out-now-for-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/vista-sp1-out-now-for-beta-testers/#comments
That right kids, it's everyone's wildest dream come to fruition: Vista SP1 is now officially available for your beta testing pleasure. According to a report from Geekzone in New Zealand, the update is now making its way into the hands of beta testers, with a broad rollout planned sometime in March. Apparently, those desperate to get with the newness will have to use a standalone installer as opposed to the updater, and there are some minor issues with driver compatibility -- but we're pretty sure that won't stop you from going to town on this baby. Get it now if you're a beta tester... or have a BitTorrent client.

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 out now... for beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta testersbeta testingBetaTestersBetaTestingmicrosoftsp1updateupgradewindowsMon, 11 Feb 2008 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 still vulnerable to activation hacks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/vista-sp1-still-vulnerable-to-activation-hacks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/vista-sp1-still-vulnerable-to-activation-hacks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/vista-sp1-still-vulnerable-to-activation-hacks/#commentsOops. One of Microsoft's big goals in releasing Vista SP1 is the closure of a pair of known Vista activation exploits. While the OEM BIOS hack and grace timer hacks are now indeed useless in the face of SP1, a third remains. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes over at ZDNet tracked down a hack that required "a few seconds in the command prompt" to trick Vista SP1 into thinking it was genuine. Now that SP1 is riding the torrents, we can't say we're surprised.

Filed under: , ,

Vista SP1 still vulnerable to activation hacks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activationbreaking newsBreakingNewshackmedia pcmedia pcsmediapcmediapcsmicrosoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 riding the torrents, breaking Ballmer's heart]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/07/vista-sp1-riding-the-torrents-breaking-ballmers-heart/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/07/vista-sp1-riding-the-torrents-breaking-ballmers-heart/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/07/vista-sp1-riding-the-torrents-breaking-ballmers-heart/#comments
For those of you who simply can't wait one more second to get your hands on one of the more hyped updates in recent memory, Vista SP1, you're in luck. According to a report (and our BitTorrent client, chugging along in the background), the new service pack has been leaked, then promptly made available for your forbidden downloading pleasure. Apparently, the full install doesn't provide you with an upgrade option, so make sure you backup necessary files (like those pictures of Mom, apple pie, etc.). PC World offers a highly detailed report on how many seeders and / or leechers were available at the time its article was written, but we'll spare you. Suffice to say, it's there for the taking.

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 riding the torrents, breaking Ballmer's heart originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentfile sharingFileSharingleakservice pack 1ServicePack1sp1torrentupdateupgradevistaThu, 07 Feb 2008 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Vista SP1 released to manufacturing -- headed your way... in March]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/official-vista-sp1-released-to-manufacturing-headed-your-way/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/official-vista-sp1-released-to-manufacturing-headed-your-way/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/official-vista-sp1-released-to-manufacturing-headed-your-way/#commentsWe've been hearing rumors all morning that Microsoft would release Vista SP1 this week. Now, according to Reuters, Microsoft has just sent Vista SP1 to manufacturing. In the same presentation to investors, Steve Ballmer said that Microsoft has released Windows Server 2008 to manufacturing as well. However, the server software won't formally launch until February 27th. Now we're just waiting for the SP1 download link and/or Windows Update package. Twiddle, twiddle... ah hell, we'll just update you when we get it -- this could take a few days.

Update: Hands off the F5 key kids, Microsoft says SP1 won't be available to customers until March, starting with Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Server 2008 will be available for purchase on March 1st.

Filed under: ,

Official: Vista SP1 released to manufacturing -- headed your way... in March originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsmicrosoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 due on February 15th?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/23/vista-sp1-due-on-february-15th/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/23/vista-sp1-due-on-february-15th/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/23/vista-sp1-due-on-february-15th/#commentsVista SP1 has already been previewed, gone through a Release Candidate cycle, and had a changelog released -- so all that's left is for Microsoft to hit us with it, right? Not so fast, Sparky -- according to various sources, you're still going to have wait three more weeks to get your hands on that hot SP1 action: circle February 15th on your Ballmer / Gates pinup calendar and start counting the days. Of course, Microsoft isn't confirming anything one way or another other than Q108, so don't get too excited, but after all we've been through together, we can't imagine the Redmond crew not giving us a (late) Valentine's Day present -- we're like, totally serious, right?

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 due on February 15th? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista SP1 RC Refresh available to the public]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/windows-vista-sp1-rc-refresh-available-to-the-public/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/windows-vista-sp1-rc-refresh-available-to-the-public/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/windows-vista-sp1-rc-refresh-available-to-the-public/#comments
Just as Microsoft did last month with Vista SP1 release candidate, the latest build (dubbed SP1 RC Refresh) has been loosed from its privately held shackles and is now available for the public to descend upon. According to ZDNet, Redmond decided to make this iteration publicly available "in the interest of gaining additional tester feedback." Of note, you will likely be forced to install "two or three updates" before SP1 RC Refresh can be installed, but we know you're quite unconcerned with all the fine print. Nevertheless, that verbiage (and the download link) is waiting below.

[Via ZDNet]

Filed under: ,

Windows Vista SP1 RC Refresh available to the public originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftoperating systemOperatingSystemosservice pack 1ServicePack1softwaresp1updatevistawindowsMon, 14 Jan 2008 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista SP1 (release candidate) publicly available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/windows-vista-sp1-publicly-available/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/windows-vista-sp1-publicly-available/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/windows-vista-sp1-publicly-available/#comments
You've heard about it, you know what it's got, you want it like crazy -- and about 11 months after launch Microsoft delivers on Vista's first service pack (in release candidate form, anyway). Go crazy!

P.S. -How big is this download really? The installer's under 400k, but we're still trying to find the big kahuna offline update package. Hit us up in comments.

[Thanks, Michael]

Filed under: ,

Windows Vista SP1 (release candidate) publicly available originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftservice packServicePacksp1vistaWed, 12 Dec 2007 02:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft releases changelog for Vista SP1 RC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/08/microsoft-releases-changelog-for-vista-sp1-rc/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/08/microsoft-releases-changelog-for-vista-sp1-rc/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/08/microsoft-releases-changelog-for-vista-sp1-rc/#commentsThose of you clamoring for a public beta of Vista SP1 Release Candidate can spend your weekend brushing up on what all is going to change when that download finally goes live. Available now on Microsoft's website is a sizable document outlining "notable changes" in the forthcoming update, which includes improvements in application compatibility, hardware ecosystem support, reliability, performance / power consumption, security, desktop administration, support for new technologies / standards and interoperability. If we tried to even hit the highlights, all but the most vigilant would probably doze off before they could scroll down to the next post, so we'll just advise the curious to hit the links below and cancel every plan you had for the next 30 or so hours.

[Via I Started Something]

Filed under: ,

Microsoft releases changelog for Vista SP1 RC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changelogmicrosoftservice packServicePacksoftwaresp1updateupgradevistavista sp1VistaSp1Sat, 08 Dec 2007 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 kills the WGA kill switch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/vista-sp1-kills-the-wga-kill-switch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/vista-sp1-kills-the-wga-kill-switch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/vista-sp1-kills-the-wga-kill-switch/#comments
Microsoft's anti-piracy system known (and loathed) as Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is set to lose its bite. When Vista SP1 launches in early 2008, WGA will still identify -- ad-nauseam -- what it thinks to be non-legal copies of Vista. However, it will lose its ability to disable said systems. The change was announced in a presentation by WGA senior product manger, Alex Kochis, who said, "Based on customer feedback, we will not reduce user functionality on systems determined to be non-genuine." That should bring a swift end to WGA customer complaints related to false-positives, spyware concerns, or server glitches. Score one point for law-abiding citizens everywhere.

[Via ZDNET, thanks Daniel S.]

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 kills the WGA kill switch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex KochisAlexKochisbreaking newsBreakingNewsmicrosoftsp1vistavista sp1VistaSp1wgawindowsTue, 04 Dec 2007 05:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 public beta to hit in December?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/vista-sp1-public-beta-to-hit-in-december/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/vista-sp1-public-beta-to-hit-in-december/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/vista-sp1-public-beta-to-hit-in-december/#commentsSpeed boost or no, all of you clamoring for some hot Vista SP1 action will be able to get a beta-style fix in December, according to ZDNet. Apparently "selected testers" will get a release candidate in the first week of the month, with general availability to come the week after. ZDNet says the current SP1 build being tested is 17051, but it's not clear whether that's the version to be released or not. Like all things SP1, looks like we'll just have to wait and see.

[Via Download Squad]

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 public beta to hit in December? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftservice packServicePacksp1vistaFri, 30 Nov 2007 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows XP to get a significant performance boost with SP3?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/windows-xp-to-get-a-significant-performance-boost-with-sp3/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/windows-xp-to-get-a-significant-performance-boost-with-sp3/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/windows-xp-to-get-a-significant-performance-boost-with-sp3/#commentsWe're always a little wary of unconfirmed speed reports derived from beta software -- especially when no build number is given -- but a Florida shop called Devil Mountain Systems is claiming that Windows XP SP3 will offer a 10 percent speed increase over SP2, going so far as to call it a "must-have update." On the flip side of the coin, it looks like Vista SP1 won't offer much in the way of noticeable fixes, and certainly won't speed things up. Of course, it's not at all unexpected that the finely-tuned XP would run faster than the relatively new Vista, but analysts are having a field day, with Forrester's Benjamin Gray saying "Vista's biggest competition isn't Apple or Novell or Red Hat; it's Microsoft itself, it's XP." That seems a little hysterical to us, actually -- Microsoft deserves major props for continuing to improve XP even as it tries to speed up the transition to Vista, even if that means cannibalizing some sales. That said, let's try to get a little speed out of SP2, mkay?

Filed under: ,

Windows XP to get a significant performance boost with SP3? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsp1sp2sp3vistawindowswindows xpWindowsXpxpTue, 27 Nov 2007 03:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Vista SP1 release candidate goes out to testers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/16/vista-sp1-release-candidate-goes-out-to-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/16/vista-sp1-release-candidate-goes-out-to-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/16/vista-sp1-release-candidate-goes-out-to-testers/#comments
The fall air certainly seems to have put a spring in the step of OS devs everywhere, and Microsoft's getting in the fun too, releasing the first release candidate of Vista SP1 to beta testers today. Although there don't appear to be many new features on top of what we've already seen, SP1 appears to be well-received, with testers reporting better laptop battery life, faster networking, and improved wake-from-sleep speeds. There's still no word on when the final release of SP1 will hit, but if you're in Microsoft's tester program, SP1 RC1 is available online now.

Filed under: ,

Vista SP1 release candidate goes out to testers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamicrosoftsp1sp1 rc1Sp1Rc1vistavista sp1VistaSp1Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft beams out Vista SP1 to beta testers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/24/microsoft-beams-out-vista-sp1-to-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/24/microsoft-beams-out-vista-sp1-to-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/24/microsoft-beams-out-vista-sp1-to-beta-testers/#comments
Right on cue, Microsoft has made available the (long-awaited) Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista to a private group of beta testers. One lucky user actually goes on to describe the update and note a number of positive changes, some of which include a much snappier logon experience, a new option in the Disk Defragmenter "allowing you to choose which volumes you would like to defragment," improvements in responsiveness when resuming from Hibernation / Sleep modes, and interestingly enough, slightly improved battery life on a tested laptop. Furthermore, "select members of the community" are also getting to give five new "reliability packages" a whirl, which are all slated to be available to the public before SP1 is released en masse. Be sure and hit the read link for the full rundown.

[Thanks, Dhanik M.]

Filed under: ,

Microsoft beams out Vista SP1 to beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftservice packservice pack 1ServicePackServicePack1softwaresp1vistawindowswindows vistaWindowsVistaMon, 24 Sep 2007 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: Vista SP1 beta in September, due in Q108]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/29/microsoft-vista-sp1-beta-in-september-due-in-q108/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/29/microsoft-vista-sp1-beta-in-september-due-in-q108/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/29/microsoft-vista-sp1-beta-in-september-due-in-q108/#commentsLooks like Microsoft is finally ready to tell people what the hell is going on with the first Vista service pack: chock full o' bug fixes, performance optimizations, and improved reliability, Microsoft is shooting the beta to between 10,000 - 15,000 people in September (which means it'll be about 10 minutes after release before you can get it on BitTorrent -- not that it isn't already) and is intending to launch it officially in Q1 of 2008. We're reserving judgment on just how badly it's needed or just how many people are itching for it, we just want the thing out, and ASAP.

Filed under: ,

Microsoft: Vista SP1 beta in September, due in Q108 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftreleasesp1vistaWed, 29 Aug 2007 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked Vista Service Pack 1 analyzed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/leaked-vista-service-pack-1-analyzed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/leaked-vista-service-pack-1-analyzed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/leaked-vista-service-pack-1-analyzed/#comments
The leak of the first service pack for Windows Vista, imaginatively named SP1, means that we get to hear about the improvements before it gets a real release. APCMag reviewed a leaked copy of the software, and found that it's pretty much your standard service pack fare: a bunch of bug fixes and noticeable performance tweaks. The only new feature is an option to create a recovery disk, along with a crapload of new install packages for Vista's components, with no readily apparent changes. So, what's Microsoft waiting for? Get it out the door already!

Filed under: ,

Leaked Vista Service Pack 1 analyzed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Service PackServicePackSP1UpdateVistaWindowsMon, 13 Aug 2007 05:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista pre-beta SP1 hitting the web?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/windows-vista-pre-beta-sp1-hitting-the-web/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/windows-vista-pre-beta-sp1-hitting-the-web/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/windows-vista-pre-beta-sp1-hitting-the-web/#comments
Whispers that Redmond certainly can't be pleased about hearing are beginning to gain traction all over the 'net, as more and more individuals claim that they have Vista's Service Pack 1 pre-beta in their possession. Reportedly, the 6001.16549 build "sounds like it's the real deal," and could be the version that Microsoft has been "trickling out to more and more testers over the past few weeks." Of course, we aren't likely to hear anything one way or another from Microsoft, as the last tidbit that was let loose by it contained the phrase "not anytime soon." But as proven by the Vista Performance and Reliability Pack that just recently found its way into public hands before its intended release date, there's always a chance for leaks. So, dear readers, have any of you stumbled upon a pre-release version of the much-anticipated update?

[Via ZDNet, thanks Mark]

Filed under: ,

Windows Vista pre-beta SP1 hitting the web? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaleakleakedleaksmicrosoftpre-betaservice packServicePacksoftwaresp1vistawindowsTue, 07 Aug 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft not delivering Vista SP1 "anytime soon"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/20/microsoft-not-delivering-vista-sp1-anytime-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/20/microsoft-not-delivering-vista-sp1-anytime-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/20/microsoft-not-delivering-vista-sp1-anytime-soon/#comments
The word on the street earlier this month was that Redmond was readying its first Vista service pack, set for release to beta testers sometime around the 16th of July. Well apparently, Microsoft has caught wind of the rumor and is on a serious mission to quell the cries of eager upgraders. Hot on the heels of July 17th reports that the company had released a beta of the Windows Driver Kit (or WDK) meant to coincide with the service pack beta, Microsoft issued a statement claiming that the SP beta will be made available "sometime" this year, but for only a select group of testers, and with no plans for a public showing "anytime soon." For those used to not getting the Microsoft updates they were hoping for this should be business as usual; everyone else, welcome to the land of little "wow."

[Via ZDNet]

Filed under: ,

Microsoft not delivering Vista SP1 "anytime soon" originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamicrosoftrumorservice packServicePacksp1updatevistaFri, 20 Jul 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft readying Vista's first service pack beta for July release?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/microsoft-readying-vistas-first-service-pack-beta-for-july-rele/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/microsoft-readying-vistas-first-service-pack-beta-for-july-rele/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/microsoft-readying-vistas-first-service-pack-beta-for-july-rele/#comments
While those tantalizing Vienna rumors may have had your heart working overtime for a brief stint, the back-and-forth between Microsoft and Google may have really had users worried that a service pack delay was all but certain. Interestingly enough, "various unnamed sources" have purportedly stated that Microsoft is actually prepping Vista's very first service pack beta (aw, how cute) for a "mid-July release." To be precise, word on the street is pointing towards July 16th, but the final version of Vista SP1 isn't slated to land until "sometime in November." Additionally, it was suggested that this highly-anticipated update will focus "more on fixes and less on new features," but it's not like that's of any real shock. Of course, it wouldn't be unheard of for this proposed date to slip just a bit, but there's no harm in penciling in a reminder for next Monday just in case all goes well.

[Thanks, Arneh]

Filed under: , ,

Microsoft readying Vista's first service pack beta for July release? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamedia pcmedia pcsmediapcmediapcsmicrosoftrumorservice packServicePacksoftwaresp1updatevistawindowsMon, 09 Jul 2007 01:43:00 EST