If you are not already aware the long over due awaited Windows Vista SP1 is available for download at: Download Windows Vista SP1. As a long time Windows user I vowed not to upgrade my home desktop computer to Vista before Service Pack 1 became available (From what I have heard the upgrade to Leopard is no picnic either). However, upon employment with Opensource Connections I jumped at the chance to try out Vista with the purchase of my new work laptop. Thus far I have been pleased with Windows Vista and have only experienced a few minor software crashes. I have to mention that my favorite new feature is the “Instant Search” functionality. This feature allows you to press the Start key on your keyboard and begin typing the name of the program or file you wish to open and it magically appears. I never realized how inefficient the start menu was until I started using this feature.
As every geek should be, I was nervous about upgrading my laptop to SP 1. Microsoft promises upgrading to SP1 will improve the reliability, performance, and security of Windows Vista, however, I was skeptical. If you are interested in all the gory details about the Service Pack browse to Gory Details. After downloading SP1 I hesitated to double click on the installation file in anticipation that if I do the computer will instantly display the “Blue Screen of Death“. Finally I muster up the confidence to start the installation and receive a message stating the computer will require several reboots and about an hour to complete. Naively thinking my computer is fast, this should not take an hour, I continue with the installation. After several reboots, taking the dog for a walk, doing the dishes and watching the extended versions of all three Lord of the Rings movies the installation finally finished its last reboot.
With the installation complete I am excited to see what new features are available only to be disappointed at the fact that everything looks exactly the same. It seems as though my computer is running smoother and faster, but I attribute it to the placebo effect. I guess I should just be content with the fact that the installation completed without incident, however, I make no guarantees that you will have the same experience.
Every Windows Vista user that has upgraded to SP1 must do their civic duty and comment with their upgrade experience. The good, the bad and the ugly.