Microsoft will begin pushing out Vista SP1 to users via its Automatic Update service this week, following comments made by Bill Gates that suggested the next major Windows version might appear as early as next year.
Vista SP1 is already available for download via Microsoft's Windows Update service, but the company has confirmed that the service pack will now be pushed out as an automatic update starting from mid-April.
Companies wishing to deploy SP1 in a controlled fashion will need to block it from downloading automatically, unless they already disable updates as part of company policy.
Earlier, Microsoft had suspended distribution of an update that is a pre-requisite for SP1 to be downloaded. Some users experienced difficulties while installing the Servicing Stack Update patch, but Microsoft said it has now issued a fix for the problem.
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has also added fuel to speculation that the planned successor to Vista, Windows 7, may be brought forward from its expected release date in 2010.
While speaking at the Inter-American Development Bank in Florida, Gates is quoted as telling the audience that "sometime in the next year or so we will have a new version." Gates was referring to Windows 7, but it remains unclear whether he meant the complete version or a beta release will be available in 2009.
Microsoft said that Windows 7 is still "scoped to three years from Windows Vista's general availability", which suggests a release date in the first quarter of 2010. It added that it had no further information to disclose at this time.
Microsoft has released its service pack 1 update for Windows Vista to manufacturing 04 Feb 2008
Microsoft's SP1 to be included in auto updates from April 19 Mar 2008
Microsoft announces first service pack on eve of Vista release 24 Jan 2007
Vista and XP updates will be pushed to users automatically 30 Jan 2009
1E adds WakeUp 5.5 to network Wake-on-LAN app 01 Sep 2008
Better search, Blu-Ray burning and easier Wi-Fi in the mix 27 Oct 2008
New build made available to select testers only 29 Jan 2009
As RGGI's second auction gets underway report claims emissions caps could be much higher than needed 18 Dec 2008
Spat over use of green Union flag advertising image could end up in court 06 Jul 2009
New team of auditors and investigators to keep tabs on firms covered by the Carbon Reduction Commitment 06 Jul 2009
More news
As Businessgreen.com launches its new Asia-Pacific site, editor James Murray argues that green business leaders need to develop a more sophisticated view of the continent 06 Jul 2009
From record-breaking solar panels to the International Renewable Energy Agency's new home, we round up the top stories from the past week 03 Jul 2009
Well, I hope they got a no win, no fee deal. I don't like being cynical (it's more of a congenital thing)... 03 Jul 2009 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
