It has 23 security updates, 550 hotfixes, and is packed into a 434.5MB package or 726.5MB for the 64-bit version. That’s a fat service pack if I do say so myself.

Some of the more apparent fixes include file copying ETA being more accurate, UAC should pop up a bit less in certain areas, and DirectX has been fixed to support DX9, DX10, and DX10.1 hardware. They also fixed WGA to fix the two most common exploits of the system and they’ve added some more support for third party search solutions.
Prior to getting the service pack you must have, in order, updates KB947172, KB937287, and KB938371 installed, each of those may or may not have their own sets of prerequisite updates, but I’m sure you’ve got all that covered already right? What I really want to know from you, the readers, is does this new SP make Vista usable? You see I’ve had a copy of Vista Home Premium ever since it was released and I installed, and then promptly uninstalled it, shortly after I got it, but if Vista is now usable again, myself, and I am sure countless others, would be interested in knowing if its worth the update.
[via ArsTechnica]






God, just do it already! You sound like a cranky old man refusing to upgrade to push button phones.
Vista has always been useable. The O/S is actually quite nice and the Service Pack just cleans things up a bit. Everything up and running just fine. I don’t know how people can stare at that XP antique anymore after 8 years of its boring U/I.
Vista Sucks, I can use XP for better performance, and if I want better looks I don’t have to buy Vista because of teh looks. I can just download a better theme or something. Throwing money at this piece of garbage only for prettier icons and menus is frankly stupid.
I’ve been using Vista Ultimate for over 6 months now, and it’s more than just the pretty looks that make it worthwhile. I’ve experienced a much more stable operating environment than with XP, and I push it. Crysis, Quake Wars, video push to my HDTV/HT, the works. It handles everything I’ve thrown at it. I haven’t had a chance to test out SP1 changes, but the incremental updates have improved performance. Take the plunge…
beleive it or not, there are some things more valuable in an OS than an attractive UI
and i think with the advice given here, i will switch, the next time i have time to
i myself, just like many others dreaded the plunge to vista. i tried the beta. cool looks, slow as molassis. then the final release comes out, still yet a dissappointment. went to a microsoft convention thurs. and recieved a free full copy of vista sp1. I installed and so far i must say i am impressed. all the slowness problems a previouse experianced are no longer in the air. multitasking as never been better, and while swapping between windows and watching a movie, no more video lag. take the plunge you wont be dissapointed!