Windows Vista Windows Update in Vista

[muckshifter]

When installing new hardware, do not be surprised to see a location of the Windows Update button.

"In order to provide a better user experience in Windows Vista, the Windows Update button may appear on an install screen in addition to the Windows Update control panel," explained Chris Lange, lead product manager for Windows Update. "This is to provide users with an in-context way of getting the appropriate driver as they are adding new hardware."

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It's a slick approach, for which—like most anything—there is something good and bad to be said. First the bad, so it's out of the way.

Now for the good: The revamped Windows Update mechanism means that hardware vendors can better get drivers to end users where most needed: During driver installation. The feature has its roots in Windows XP, which also could do an Internet query for drivers. But Vista goes much farther; hardware drivers and software updates are distributed automatically through the Windows Update pipeline.

"Partners can distribute drivers via Windows Update, for partner devices that qualify for the Windows Vista logo program," Lange explained.

There is a process in place for hardware vendors. When applying to participate in the Windows Vista logo program, partners "should indicate that they would like to add their drivers to the Windows Update site and accept the Driver Distribution Agreement," Lange added.

Microsoft has done some impressive work here and provided better utility for getting drivers to end users, with the caveat that hardware manufacturers must go through the Windows logo and testing process first. I wonder how many will actually use it.