Testing Windows Vista SP1

A little more than one year after its release, Windows Vista receives its first service pack update. Microsoft says the pack will offer better compatibility with third-party hardware, increased reliability, tighter security and better performance.

Unlike the last Windows Service Pack release, Windows XP SP2 -- which offered users a new Windows Firewall, an improved Automatic Updates feature and a pop-up ad blocker for Internet Explorer -- Windows Vista SP1 is largely a code update, devoid of new eye candy and very light on 'must-have' features for home users.

Most of the features touted by Microsoft are for the Business, Enterprise or Ultimate editions of the operating system. Our advice: be patient, and don't download it right away. Wait until Windows Vista SP1 is offered to your PC via Microsoft's Automatic Updates service. If you want it now, you can download it here.

Click through to find out more about the installation, features and performance from this update. -Robert Vamosi

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