Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) with Few Testers

Microsoft has started talikng about Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) features, release, previews and testers. Just as news was leaking that Windows XP SP3 was released to few testers, they confirm that a small group of testers has got a preview of the Vista SP1 Beta.

Microsoft announced that after these small group of testers check it out, the next pre-release will be available to testers via MSDN and TechNet subscribers.

“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. We didn’t design SP1 as a vehicle for releasing new features; however, some existing components do gain enhanced functionality in SP1.”

A detailed Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Beta Whitepaper has been released which gives more information. Service packs are no longer the main tool for system fixes and improvements as Windows Update online service is a great way to deliver OS improvements. Windows Vista SP1 is expected to reach manufacturing in the first quarter of 2008.