Windows 7: Features

It seems that Microsoft is working hard on getting the first service pack for Windows 7 out the door.

According to sources at Microsoft, a preliminary version of SP1 will be in June 2010 and will be accessible only to testers, whereas the final version is expected by September 2010.

So what will be in the first service pack released by the guys over at Redmond?

Well for a start, all the patches and updates the Microsoft have released up to the release date will automatically be included in it and maybe the odd tweak here and there based on feedback, don’t expect many major UI changes, it will be more than likely under the hood stuff.

ZDNET are says “USB 3.0 is likely to be at the top of what is, admittedly, a short list” and Infoworld speculates that “enhancements to the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi stacks will be slipstreamed in”.

Getting the service pack out quickly would also convince a lot of companies who still take the “not until the first service pack” attitude that its now ok to start looking at Windows 7 sooner rather than later.

ITChuiko says “According to sources at Microsoft, a preliminary version of SP1 will be in June 2010 and will be accessible only to testers, whereas the final version is expected by September 2010.”

Hopefully this will mean a return to the days when Microsoft Pumped out service pack really quickly (9 to 12 months).

Microsoft did make Service Pack 1 for Windows 2000 during the time between RTM and General Availability which meant they could have the service pack in less than 6 months after release. Given the timing of this information I would say Microsoft are moving back to that model.

But really that’s about all we know at this stage, one thing we pretty much know for certain is that SP1 is on the way and reports have emerged that some build numbers have been spotted with SP1.

But does Microsoft really need a service pack for Windows 7 already? I don’t think so, but perhaps Microsoft are pushing ahead with the first service pack for a reason.

Many businesses and companies regularly wait for the first service pack, or sometimes even the second before they decide to upgrade to a new operating system.

Perhaps Microsoft is pushing ahead with SP1 to encourage these businesses to make the switch to Windows 7 as soon as possible?