Final Beta for Windows Vista SP1 Due Next Week

Microsoft has announced that it will make the final release candidate for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 available to the public some time next week. Although no specific date has been set, next Tuesday is this month's Patch Tuesday, with a new round of official patches and updates, which seems like a logical release date for Vista SP 1.

The final beta for Vista SP1 is already available to Microsoft Connect members as well as MSDN and TechNet subscribers.

Keep in mind that this release will be the final beta, not the official SP1 update, which means, should you choose to install it, you'll have to uninstall it prior to upgrading to the official release (expected sometime in the first quarter of 2008).

Some the notable upgrades coming in Vista SP1 include:

• More compatibility for print drivers
• Speed improvements when copying files and activating Vista from Hibernate and Resume modes
• Better IE 7 performance
• Better battery life for laptops
• Improved reliability and compatibility with newer graphics cards

The Microsoft Vista Blog also notes that should you wish to avoid applying Vista SP1 when it finally arrives, but want to continue running Windows Update, there is a “blocker patch” that will prevent installation of SP1. For more information, see this tech note.

Also available is the first final release candidate for Windows Server 2008. You can grab Windows Server 2008 RC1 here.

[via CyberNetNews]

See Also:

• Microsoft Announces Private Vista SP1 Beta
• Vista Customers To Microsoft: We Want Our Extras
• Vista Updates Hint At Coming SP1 Release
• Vista Service Pack Due in Two Weeks, Early Versions Leaked Today
• Microsoft: Vista's 'Black Screen of Death' Is a Hoax