What's new in Windows Vista Service Pack 2

[Sabastiaan]

I am having three systems all with Windows XP. I am planning to buy one more new machine with Windows Vista Service Pack 2. To be frank i am not much aware of Vista. So could you guys please let me know some important and useful features, changes and whats new in this pack ? Thanks in advance.

[Dr. V]

It is true that Vista's Service Pack 2 arrived with not a lot of celebration, not much has been really mentioned about it at all anywhere. This package provides customer and partner feedback driven fixes into a single service pack, minimizing deployment and testing complexity. Actually Windows Vista* Service Pack 2 (SP2) is an important update that includes support for new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards, and it also includes all the updates that have been released since SP1. Some new and important features in this pack are as follows:-

Program compatibility

• Microsoft works to ensure that your programs work seamlessly on Windows Vista. We also work with our partners to improve the reliability and compatibility of non-Microsoft programs. So, SP2 includes previously released updates that are available to you when you use Windows Update, and it also includes new compatibility fixes for individual programs.

Hardware support

• Among other improvements, SP2 provides you with additional support for Bluetooth wireless technology and improved performance for Wi-Fi connections after the computer resumes from sleep mode. Additionally, you can now record data to Blu-ray Disc media.

General operating system updates

• SP2 includes Windows Search 4.0, which has improved indexing and searching capabilities. SP2 also includes fixes that can improve recording TV using Windows Media Center.

[SalVatore]

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 contain changes focused on addressing reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards.Many of these updates are available to the public on the Microsoft® Download Center and Windows Update, while others are only available to specific customers or partners. Vista Service pack 2 supports new kinds of hardware and emerging hardware standards. This service pack includes all the updates that have been delivered since Service Pack 1, and it simplifies deployment for consumers, for developers, and for IT professionals.Following are some important features of SP2:

• Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches
• Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology
• Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista
• Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration
• Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones.

[jesse]

The prerelease version of SP2 is time-limited software. You must remove the prerelease version of the service pack before you install the final version of the service pack. Also, this software will no longer operate after May 1, 2010. You must remove the prerelease version of SP2 before that date. To remove the prerelease version of SP2 for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, copy and then paste (or type) the following command in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. appwiz.cpl
3. Click View installed updates.
4. Click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB948465), and then click Uninstall.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the removal process.

You can download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 from microsoft.com or technet.microsoft.com. Aternatively you can obtain it from Windows Vista updates.Windows Vista updates are distributed in service packs. Service packs help keep Windows Vista current, and they can extend and update the functionality of your computer. This article describes three step-by-step methods that you can use to obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista. However, before you select the method that you want to use, please make sure that the following conditions are true:

• The service pack is not already installed on your computer.
• You are logged on to your computer by using a user account that is a computer administrator.
• The computer on which you want to install the service pack is connected to the Internet.