Windows Vista SP1 beta lacks 'wow'

If you've been waiting for Windows Vista SP1 to come out before you make the leap to the new operating system, don't, says Microsoft.

Microsoft's Pete McKiernan, a senior product manager for Windows, told CNET News.com that one of the purposes of a service pack is to include all the patches that have been released in one package. Windows Vista SP1 will have that, but little else for the home user.

Unlike the buzz surrounding Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista SP1 won't include a new version of Internet Explorer, and won't include any new features that are considered must haves. Most of the enhancements within Windows Vista SP1 are under the hood and for enterprise customers. In short, Windows Vista SP1 lacks "wow."

Currently, Microsoft is beta-testing the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 on about 12,000 machines worldwide. As the beta continues, more users will be invited, but the numbers will not match the estimated 5 million that tried the operating system prior to RTM (release to manufacturing) last summer. CNET obtained an official copy of the Windows Vista SP1 beta for review.

What surprised us is that Microsoft is really downplaying this service pack. Why? Because, unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista includes automatic updates, so for most users the Windows Vista SP1 release won't be dramatic. At CNET, we found it took about two hours to install SP1 on a newly installed Windows Vista machine, in part because we had to bring the operating system up to date with various patches and updates before we could install the upgrade. See our slide show for more on the installation process.

What is included in the "upgrade"? McKiernan called out two features expected to be within Windows Vista SP1, neither is likely to excite consumers already on the fence about Windows Vista. One is an improvement to the BitLocker drive encryption system, available only in the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista. Under SP1, BitLocker will be able to encrypt multiple drive volumes; all drive volumes, that is, except for USB drives.

A second feature touted by Microsoft is support for emerging hardware and standards. Windows Vista SP1 will support Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI), Intel standard for the interface between software, the operating system and firmware, and Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT), a new Microsoft file system that may eliminate the need for defragmentation in the future.

McKiernan categorized other expected changes within Windows Vista SP1 as:

Security enhancements: There is nothing here that the desktop consumer will notice. Under the hood, Microsoft will provide more opportunities for third-party security vendors to communicate their product status with the Windows Security Center. In x64-bit editions, third-party security vendors can work with the kernel patch protection, a source of controversy last summer. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) files will be signed. The Windows Pseudo-Random Number Generator will have Elliptical Curve Cryptography (ECC) added. And BitLocker will add multifactor authentication combining Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with a Startup key stored on a USB device, meaning that the startup key must match the hardware you are trying to use.

Reliability enhancements: Microsoft has been analyzing crashes of Windows Vista reported by users and will be making improvements. In particular, more compatibility with newer graphics cards and printers; greater reliability with extended displays on a laptop, various networking scenarios, in systems that were upgraded from Windows XP, and when Windows Vista enters sleep or resumes from sleep.

Performance enhancements: Microsoft says SP1 will offer performance boosts including the speed to copy and extract files, time to become active from Hibernate and Resume, CPU utilization within Internet Explorer 7 and CPU utilization in laptops, thereby reducing battery drain, and shortening the time when browsing network shares.

None of these is a compelling reason to wait for Windows Vista SP1. Users who have automatic updates turned on will have a significantly shorter time when upgrading to Windows Vista SP1 than users who don't have it turned on or are planning to upgrade or purchase Windows Vista when SP1 becomes available. That appears to be Microsoft's message with this release: The more you use Windows Vista, the better it gets. So why not get started today?

In short, judging by what we've seen, don't expect SP1 to be the impetus to get you or your corporation to upgrade to Windows Vista.

[The_happy_switcher]

SP1

The 'ow' starts now.

[The_happy_switcher]

SP1

"In short, judging by what we've seen, don't expect SP1 to be the impetus to get you or your corporation to upgrade to Windows Vista."

Don't worry, no upgrade for me thanks.

[n3td3v]

Are Windows shipping World of Warcraft?

That's what I thought the headline suggested. Cnet sucks at headlines. Oh Rly? Ya Rly.

[NWLB]

If they were...

....they'd have sold a lot more copies of Vista!

[sanenazok]

The wow starts now

or something like that was Vista's advertising slogan initially so that's what the reference to wow is, not WoW

[yipcanjo]

A service pack lacks "wow"?

How is this news? I don't think that Service Packs are supposed to have "wow". They're supposed to patch issues and introduce fixes.

Besides, I *highly* doubt that most corporations were waiting for a "wow" service pack before migrating to Vista.

Now.... bring on the rest of the "Vista Sux / Apple rulz" fanboys. Isn't it about time Steve let them out for recess?

[noker1]

perhaps, but

Corporations are looking for a reason to migrate and aren't finding any (while finding dozens of reasons not to), so some 'wow' might have helped.

[MaLvaDo39]

Get a Mac

It works better, is more secure, and you can bring your security
blanket (dual boot to windows) if you are feeling scared.

[donsl777--2008]

M$ Struggling, Apple Soaring

It's only a matter of time before biased computer users (myself having used both for two decades) admit that Apple offers a better platform. Plain and simple.

For a while it was about processing speed. The Intel chip switch killed that argument. Then there's always been the "gaming" pitch. Get X-Box or Wii and get real. Finally, there was the compatibility complaint. Run Windoze natively on your Mac.

Any more arguments? What? Price of hardware? Do an honest and objective comparison.

[sanenazok]

and

every time Apple releases a service pack you can pay for your OS all over again since it'll be billed as an upgrade.

[tom.cat]

Why do Apple zealots even read these threads

Stop wasting server bandwidth, troll.

[theroguex]

No.

I will use a Windows PC, thanks.

It works just fine, is extremely secure, and I don't need a security blanket, because I'm not scared... I just like actually having software to use on my PC!

Take your uninformed, unintelligent Mac-brainwashed talk and go to a Mac forum.

[jscott418]

SP1 not another OS

It's just to fix bugs people. It's not another OS. The core system is
still going to be Vista. If you do not like Vista now. Your not going
to like SP1. Im waiting for SP3 for XP myself.
Bring on Leopard too! My MacBook is waiting. Probably a lot of eye
candy and no substance too. But hopefully more stable.
Im not sure we need to totally change any OS more than every 7 or
8 years. But upgrades are not profitable I know.

[morlamweb]

Too much commentary

"... neither is likely to excite consumers already on the fence about Windows Vista."

What is this doing in a (supposedly) neutral article? Even the article title expresses an opinion about Vista SP1. Instead of leading us on, telling us to avoid SP1 because it lacks "Wow" (whatever the hell that means), why do you describe in details what's going to be included in the release? Remember: "just the facts, ma'am".

[rcrusoe]

Take our OS, Please

"If you've been waiting for Windows Vista SP1 to come out before you make the leap to the new operating system, don't, says Microsoft." MS is starting to sound desperate.

Despite all their glowing sales reports, Vista computers are as welcome on business networks as crab grass on a golf course.

If SP1 isn't a world class uber fix, MS had better plan to keep XP alive for several more years.

[tom.cat]

Bah

"Despite all their glowing sales reports, Vista computers are as welcome on business networks as crab grass on a golf course."

Apple isn't even allowed in the front door.

[noker1]

yeah right

"If you've been waiting for Windows Vista SP1 to come out before you make the leap to the new operating system, don't, says Microsoft."

...and just have faith that you'll fix all the problems, right? I was born at night, but not last night. At home I'll migrate the day XP support ends if I haven't moved to another platform. As for my organization, I'll do exactly what your consultants told me to do - plan for the end of 2013.

"None of these is a compelling reason to wait for Windows Vista SP1."

Nor are they compelling reasons to migrate.

[Sheepish12]

Agreed

If anyone has ever taken a journalism course they will agree, this article is biased. While, it is tough to fall into the trap of the article's commentary, it is always more effective for the writer to just use facts, and at least quotations of opinions if they are trying to exhibit a certain side.

[tom.cat]

CNET Doesn't Understand "Service Pack"

It's called a "Service Pack" for a reason: It's a package of fixes that service the operating system. It's (historically) not intended to be a collection of enhancements. Microsoft went too far with XP SP2 in setting expectations incorrectly. But MS has said repeatedly since its mistakes with XP SP2 that it is only going to include bug fixes in service packs.

[intrepi]

You should apply for a BS position at MS

Do you really and truly actually believe anything you've just said or are you just trying to find out how many gullible people there are ? A package of fixes ? To service the operating system ? The service package is little more than a bunch of updates bundled into one package and labeled SP1. This may or may not fix Vista as each fix is applied only to the aspect or problem it had. These "fixes" do not fix, cure or make Vista an OS worth buying. Now in case you are wondering about anything I just said, make a note of today's date and a year from this date, take another look at the patches that have been made available since this date. They will exceed the number of patches that have been provided by MS since Vista was released. They will also not be the last or final fix, patch or mistake MS will make. Vista's release was a mistake, it wasn't ready and still isn't but hey, I'm dead certain you'll enlighten us all with your professional opinion on that as well.

[ferretboy88]

Reliability enhancements? Crashes?

I have used Vista since the day after it came out and I have not had one single crash. When I installed an xp harddrive into the same machine(that I home built) it was as buggy as ever. I love using Vista and my copy only cost me $111.00 from newegg. I'm am not a fan boy of any company but I sure do love Vista. I have more problems with my OSX macbook.

[crasheagle]

Vista Crashes

Well I agree with purchasing at newegg I get HD Flat Screen tv's and a lot of great stuff at pretty good prices.
However, my Vista, installed at the factory, crashes frequently

[bobmalooga]

Problem, what problem?

I've used Vista for a few months and it's the best system I've ever used, bar none, and that includes the Mac. It's very stable - don't think I've had a crash yet. My Mac used to freeze up a lot. I'm not a big fan of any particular company, but MS got this one right, imo. A friend of mine is a Mac cult member - I used to be one too. Most Mac fanatics don't even know they're brainwashed. Steve J. is a master of communication. Apple's ads are brilliant. But that doesn't make their computers better. They aren't.

[Seaspray0]

what flavor?

vista comes in many flavors. Most home users will have the home version. Is this the version you are using? Is there a version of vista you would not recommend? What feature(s) make the version you are using worth the upgrade/downgrade from a lesser/greater version of vista? I'm not looking for a "it's better because", can you give a "this difference is worth it/not worth the cost" type answer.

[intrepi]

This isn't really about Mac or Linux

If you buy a computer with Vista loaded on it, don't install anything new, no software, no hardware, no drivers, it should run well assuming you have at least a gig of ram and you aren't taxing anything in the system as 1 gig works so well, two works better.
Now in regards to Mac, Linux or Unix, this really isn't about how well or what works. It's about Vista, what MS said with respect to it. Are you on the same playing field ? There is no WOW, there are NO extras, there is No reason to upgrade unless you are one who really believes it has so much more to offer than XP. For those that believe there is, please post your belief's so we can all have a clearer understanding of how gullible you are. Forget Linux, forget Mac, forget Unix, keep what you have until you know something is able to give you more and as for Vista, it's much like watching MS hump a football, lot's of excitement but little satisfaction.

[intrepi]

You do encourage me with your words

I really stand assured with your commentary as I have no idea as to how anyone would post "It's very stable - I don't think I've ever had a crash yet".
MS got it right, which part ? IE7, the number of fixes, patches or the price ? Now, I've never owned a Mac, I have no experience with one but pure logic dictates that it has to work better. Why ? Well, unlike MS, Apple controls the entire system, the OS, the configuration of the hardware, software and security. Now think about this for a minute, how many hardware and software developers are out there making their products run with Vista ? Venture a guess, don't hold back, hundreds, thousands or more ? Well, let's say a thousand, which is grossly under the number out there but to say less would be ridiculous. Now with the sheer number of a thousand, consider what would happen if you took all of them, all of their software and hardware, fired them into a melting pot with Vista and stood back. Do you seriously think for a split second that there would be no problems, no issues, no freezing, no driver, software or problems of any kind ? If you do, I have a large bridge to sell you and I'll let you have it in any color you like. Now before you go on about how wonderful and how you have had no problems, consider the fact that most people do not have your computer, your hardware, your software and the exact configuration of it within the Vista version or platform. Consider too, most of Vista owners are running it based on a 32 bit platform which is old, very old, very slow in comparison to a Mac which is based on a 64 bit platform. But hey you owned a Mac you already knew that, didn't you

[equals42]

Vista Ultimate Retail is $311

Apples to oranges please. The "OEM" version of MacOS X is only available with a new computer and is free or part of purchase price. The version you buy at the Apple store is akin to Vista Ultimate since they both contain high-end display technologies, a few games and mail clients.

Die stupid troll.

[intrepi]

The newest OSx will be out Fri Oct 26/07

The newest version of the Mac OSx will be available Friday October 26. The new Leopard OSx will be for sale at $ 129 US and family licenses for $ 199 which is no where near the $ 499 for Vista Ultimate's full retail price. This Leopard version is not an OEM version but a full version for this price which may or may not be comparable to the full Vista non OEM version listed at the full retail price of $ 499. I would like to add that I wouldn't compare Leopard to Vista in any way shape or form as I'm sure Leopard has gone a long way past where Vista left off.

[Seaspray0]

Size of SP1

From what I've heard, the size of SP1 is roughly 1 GB. Hmmm... a service pack that's bigger than the operating install disk for the previous OS (XP) which fit on a CD? Can someone from microsoft explain this to me?

[pctec100]

SP1 file size

You are correct, one of the installers for SP1, the standalone package, is over 1GB. This is for the x64 platform and is a single file that will update all Vista versions and 5 different language versions. I believe that adds up to about 40 possible unique builds of Vista.

The same installer for the x86 platform is a little short of 700 MB.

Of course most Vista users will Microsoft will receive SP1 through Automatic Updates instead of manually downloading and install it. This uses the express update which only sends the files they actually need for their specific version and language. Microsoft has said this will be about 50MB on average for the x86 platform.

[internetworld7]

Do You Really Want That Wow?

GET A MAC. Let me scream that again, [b]GET A MAC!!![/b]

[Hardrada]

For Microsoft users, Wow! means it finally works

And yeah, we want so say "wow".

[ncftech]

WOW...

..as in Wow, I cant believe it took us this long to make such a crappy OS.

[Hardrada]

Wow, I can't believe

this crappy company wasn't sued out of existence years ago. I know I've personally lost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost productivity trying to fix their lousy software or cope with security flaws. I'll bet that for every dollar corporate America spends on Microsoft products, they spend 10 dollars trying to recover from flaws in the product.

[Xenu7-214951314497503184010868]

Now there's an oxymoron

Vista and "wow!" in the same sentence. Who would have thought.

[Zoltron]

news.com reporting lacks "wow"

This story blows, service packs are not supposed to have any "wow" in them. News.com reporting blows in general, I remember back in the dot com days you could read articles from actual journalists on news.com, instead of the graphics department trying to sneak in Apple praise whenever they can.

Why no mention of Amazon's new DRM free MP3 store on news.com?? Could it be because it doesn't require you to install anything to use, is cheaper, and has a larger selection than Apple? This should be a main article, instead it is nowhere on news.com. What blatant bias...

[devbost]

There's this thing called "search"

...and when you use it, not only can you find things with it, but you can also sometimes keep from looking clueless to thousands of CNet readers!

http://www.cnet.com/8301-13641_1-9790970-44.html?tag=blog.1

http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13554_1-9788009-33.html?tag=blog.2

http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13526_1-9784754-27.html?tag=blog.3

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9784291-7.html?tag=blog.5

That's four mentions of the new Amazon.com MP3 store, all found using the search bar at the top of the page. You should try it yourself sometime.

[jmqwerty]

microsoft lies to us again

this is just one more case of microsoft lying to the consumer again. when it came out it was the greatest yet with no problems, everyone will love it. it works perfect---all lies
same for xp, 2000 nt4,nt5.