The release of Vista SP1 was pretty hefty with
a good number of hot fixes, security updates
and some application compatibility updates.
Vista SP2 currently includes 22 Security
updates and hot fixes grouped across the
following areas: Applications, Base
Technologies Computer Management Core
Virtualization Data Services Desktop Shell
Desktop Technologies Drivers Feedback and
Supportability Platform Graphics Localization
Multimedia Networking OS Deployment Printing &
Imaging Technologies Printing and Imaging
Technologies Security Server Technologies
Storage Tools Windows Installer. The testing
profile for this update will not be huge, but
will be significant if you have not kept up
with the Windows update process.
As a bootnote: I work for a company called
ChangeBase - who specialize in update impact
assessment.
Microsoft is broadening the pool of testers getting the near-final Release Candidate (RC) bits of Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Windows Server 2008 SP2.
On February 25, Microsoft began providing subscribers to its TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) services with access to the SP2 RC bits. Interested subscribers can get the SP2 RC bits from the appropriate TechNet and MSDN download sites.
Next week, the public will get the SP2 RC bits, Microsoft officials said.
Last week, Microsoft made the Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 bits available to Connect testers. Some company watchers were expecting Microsoft to make the RC bits more broadly available — beyond just those with access to Connect — last week.
Rumor is the final SP2 bits will go out in April, but Microsoft is not confirming this.
