Just a quick message to let you all know that Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 has rolled out.
You can grab it free for both 32 bit Windows (348MB) and 64 bit Windows (577MB) at the respective links.
I’ve got my copy on download now, so I’ll post a review up for it in the coming days (hopefully by the end of the week).
Enjoy!
Microsoft yesterday lauched the Service Pack 2 Release Candidate for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista.
32 bit users click here for download, and 64 bit users click here. If you would like an ISO image, click here.
I’ve downloaded it and tested it, and so far I cannot see many huge differences, both visually and internally. I haven’t found any bugs, other than the fact that I had to reinstall Windows Live Messenger before it would work properly.
Also, bare in mind that you will have to uninstall the Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta if you have it already installed, which is very time consuming. It’s unlikely the whole process is going to take you less than 2 hours, even on a fast computer.
So, if you want my verdict, don’t bother with it right now. There’s not much new to see, and personally I think it would be easier and less frustrating to just wait for the final release which is due in a couple of weeks time.
By all means download it if you’re desperate to, but if you have Vista SP1 it is relatively pointless.
After the beta of Vista Service Pack 2 was finally launched to the public, I decided to give it a try and see if there were any major improvements.
You can grab a download of SP2 beta for free from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/dd262148.aspx but its only recommended you do so if you are an experienced computer user.
I went ahead and downloaded it last night and the first thing that was a little annoying was that the file is getting on for 400mb and the install program has to download even more so if you are on tight bandwidth be careful. I, thankfully, checking the Fair Use Policy with my broadband provider and according to Tiscali I won’t have to worry if I’m not using in excess of 100gb per month which is miles off what I use. Anyhow, I downloaded the file and ran it.
It doesn’t require much of your attention. It first confirms you want to install and you have to accept terms, then it kicks off. Once it has downloaded a few files you have to confirm again that you want to install the serivce pack and then you just leave it to it.
However, it takes several hours to install the pack and on a 1GB memory laptop thats dual core I had to wait about 3 hours before the first PC restart.
It hasn’t really changed very much since the install. Admittedly it is a little faster and there are a couple of minor upgrades in features but I wouldn’t say its something thats vital.
I dont think its worth bothering to upgrade, and I would wait until the final next year.
Microsoft announced yesterday that it will be releasing Windows 7 Beta 1 on DVD on their US tour next year. They have also announced that they are hoping to have Windows Vista Service Pack 2 finished and shipped by July next year.
They have now finished a test version of Windows Vista SP2 beta and this is publically available today. Information is at http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/10/24/windows-vista-service-pack-2-beta.aspx and can be downloaded through a customer preview program (CPP) along with the Windows Server 2008 SP2 beta at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/dd262148.aspx. You must currently be a subscriber to either Technet or MSDN to download however a public version will be available in a few days.
I will take a look at Vista SP2 beta soon and report back.