Previous "Service Packs" have often been software rewrites - in
file size nearly a re-install. Those rewrites have benefited
from an infinity of combinations of hardware, software, user
settings/errors, and from an army of professional malware
defenders fighting guerrillas who attack vulnerabilities just
for the fun of it.
Considering past SPs, I wonder what Vista SP1 will include.
My guess is that SP1 will not add much in the way of security,
but will push it further into the background and less intrusive.
Perhaps massive usage data will enable security functions to be
safely trimmed and made faster for most.
Will SP1 add stability? Vista overall seems to be very stable
for most, though - again - perhaps massive usage data will
support further stability enhancements.
What about functionality? I've seen interest in capabilities not
available from the present Vista - perhaps some will be added
once usage data suggests it's safe to do so.
And speed? Well, my Vista installation is as fast as XP Pro, but
everyone wants more speed. I think this is a primary goal for
Microsoft, who knows that consumers want faster operation -
particularly boot and shutdown times. The only thing worse than
"slow" is "STOP!", so there are pauses throughout Vista to
permit checks and cross-checks. Experience will permit
streamlining of such precautions and I therefore expect Vista
SP1 to "take off".
Microsoft collects massive data because most computers call
home, and MS information collectors watch discussions, monitor
corporate usage, are intimate with major software companies, and
collect information from professional repair services. With all
that since Vista was released, I'd guess that plans for SP1 are
pretty firm by now.
What do YOU expect from Vista SP1?
And, of course, when do you think SP1 will be released to
non-Betaphiles like me?
Henry
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PS
Though Microsoft bashing is an international sport, it's one of
the world's most successful companies and a monument to American
entrepreneurism and brainpower (credit goes to the Israeli
Microsoft groups for much of the latter). Such companies as
Microsoft, Boeing, Walmart, Dell, Exxon, Verizon, and GE take a
lot of heat, but I admire and respect such achievement.