David Flynn08 May 2009, 8:00 AM
This week isn’t all about Windows 7. Microsoft has released Vista SP2 to the members-only MSDN network. Next stop: public release (if it's not on BitTorrent beforehand).
With the penultimate build of Windows 7 now strutting its stuff ahead of a
possible October launch, the soon-to-be-superseded Windows Vista has received what could be its final update.
Late last week Microsoft signed off on the code for Vista Service Pack 2 and declared the long-awaited patch pack as ‘released to manufacturing’ (as well as pulling the SP2 Beta from its
TechNet home).
Vista SP2, which also includes SP2 for Windows Server 2008 due to the fact that both the desktop and server OS share the same codebase, has now been made available on the Microsoft Developer Network subscription service. The general public release it tipped for June.
Vista SP2 contains all the updates delivered since SP1 so it doesn’t replace SP1 – and if you’re looking to slipstream it, you’ll need to begin with a Vista image to which SP1 has already been applied.
It contains Windows Search 4.0, which is currently available for SP1-based systems as a standalone download; support for Bluetooth 2.1 to reduce power consumption, increase security and improve the pairing experience; and also allows Vista to record data natively onto Blu-Ray discs.
Wi-Fi configuration is simplified with Windows Connect Now, which sends network configuration settings to the access point and is based on the Wi-Fi Protected Setup standard. Microsoft also claims SP2’s improved power management policy “is up to 10% more efficient than the original in some configurations”.