Is it worth getting, Vista SP1 and if so, how can I get it?

This one is for my friend's who are queued on Vista Support SP1

Let's tackle the second question first. In mid-April, Microsoft began downloading the update, called Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1), to computers via online automatic updating. So if your Vista computer has automatic updating turned on, you may already have it. To find out, right-click Computer in the Start menu and choose Properties. If SP1 has been installed, it will be listed in the "Windows edition" section. and you not need to carry any further vista installation.

If you don't have the update, there are two ways to get it. You can turn on automatic updating by going to Windows Update, which is in the All Programs folder in the Start menu. Or you can download it manually from microsoft.com/downloads. Just be aware that SP1 is a big file (435 MB), so it will take time to download, even with a high-speed Internet connection.

Is SP1 worth installing? In Microsoft's words, it is "the complete set of Windows Vista updates Microsoft has issued over the past year plus additional enhancements to improve your PC experience. SP1 doesn't add new features or require you to learn anything new - it simply makes your PC more reliable, run more smoothly and even more enjoyable to use, all at no charge."

As yet it's unclear whether those claims are true. But there are some tangible benefits to SP1. For example, it includes the myriad security fixes Microsoft has issued since the release of Vista in early 2007. It also lets you change the default desktop search program to use third-party software from companies including Google and Copernic.

Bottom line: Consider SP1 as more of an oil change than a major tuneup. If you're happy with the way Windows is working, I'd put off updating at least until SP1 has been out for awhile and any bugs are fixed.

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista: The Upgrade Installation Process

Before one choose to follow the Upgrade Installation path, we recommend that one backs up all ones important data to external media like a CD/DVD or USB drive before proceeding with the upgrade installation.

From within Windows XP and with all programs and windows closed, insert the Windows Vista DVD and let it autorun. This setup screen below will appear and simply click on Install now




It's not really necessary to check for updates online at this stage but one may if one chooses to and then insert the product key




Accept the Licence Agreement and then select the Upgrade option. A Compatibility Report will appear with information about software and drivers which are not supported by Windows Vista. At this stage it is safe to abort the setup process if the Compatibility Report indicates that most of ones programs will not be compatible. One can do so by simply clicking the red "Close" button on the dialog window of the Compatibility Report. If one wishes to proceed with setup then simply select "Next" and the upgrade process will commence.




The setup process follows clear stages. These can be seen below. Once "Expanding files" has progressed for a while the system will restart.




On the system booting up again, "Expanding files" will continue, followed by another restart after "Installing features and updates" is complete. On restart "Completing upgrade" will continue and then the system will restart for a final time before booting into Windows.




Problems Experienced

With the specific upgrade installation under review, the following problems were experienced on finally booting into Windows Vista:

1. The system hanged for about 10 minutes on final restart at a pale blue entirely blank screen and from there it hanged again for about 15 minutes at a dark blue screen with only a mouse pointer and this text in the bottom right hand corner visible:

Windows Vista(TM) Beta 2
Evaluation copy. Build 5384

A hard restart from the power reset switch was necessary and then the system booted fully into Windows Vista for the first time.

2. Audio was very bad and scratchy and all attempts at rectifying this with a driver update failed. The Intel Audio Studio icon on the desktop failed to open the program too.

3. The Avast! AntiVirus icon on the desktop failed to open the program although the AntiVirus itself was active, despite it being known that Avast! is fully functional and compatible in Windows Vista.

4. The ATi Control Panel failed to open the program but in all fairness this had been indicated by the Compatibility Report.

5. Each and every time a Office 2007 application was opened, it first went into a "setup" mode before the application would open. Word was opened repeatedly and this occured on every occasion.



6. The system went into a BSOD while trying to update the sound drivers. On Restart sound was still bad and the system was left on for four or 5 hours. Out of the blue (pun intended) the system restarts randomly and I only become aware of this when I hear the really bad startup audio. This error message has been found on the desktop a number of times now and looking for a solution to the problem, unspecified drivers were identified as being the cause:

Vista Upgrade & Installation Options

Windows Vista know doubt provides one of the best GUI interface and resolution windows has came along with, and so it is a something that tampers every individual to go for it.

But going for a Windows Vista experience depends on the way you want to approach it for some it can be in the form of buying a new PC. The Personal Computers this days comes along with Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic.

For others, the experience begins by upgrading a current Personal Computer. If you plan to upgrade, it's important to understand the options that you are left out with before giving a go for it. Your choices depend on the version of Windows that is currently running on your PC and the type of computer hardware you have to run certain features. Here's how you can start planning for an upgrade to Windows Vista.

You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing an upgrade copy of Windows Vista.

The table below provides the outlines for the upgrade options mapped to the different Windows Vista editions.

(0)Requires clean install.
(0) In-place installation option available.

For any short of trouble shoot and assistance or tech support go through the link
Vista Installation