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Some Windows Vista users have already installed the beta version of Service Pack 1. Now Microsoft publicly releases SP1 RC Refresh, to be used as the final test before the final release. Unlike initial XP safety vulnerabilities, Vista has fared much better in this sector, but not well enough in others, as for example in drivers or older software installation. Many users have been sceptical about Vista and the question is whether SP1 will help its shaken image. It is difficult to predict whether the adoption rate will increase but here is some facts that in my opinion play an important role:

• When XP was introduced it was a major step up from Windows 98 SE and Millennium, both of the later unstable by today’s standards. XP married the core and proven stability of Windows 2000 with the wide software and device support of the older operating systems that led to a single Microsoft platform. This development faced out confusion and division between professional or home/entertainment use.
• XP had huge initial problems, similar to today’s Vista. Software companies had to specifically reinforce XP support, but of course this cannot be remembered by users that went directly to XP with SP2.
• Vista is trying to replace XP, an operating system that has become synonymous to PC use. This state of mind is no small thing, especially now that XP is stable, safe and like it or not delivers everything expected from a modern operating system despite its age.
• The number of cards and external devices or accessories available for PCs must be of the order of many thousands. As in the case of XP, Vista will steadily provide support for most of them, the shear size of this work should not be underestimated.
• The wide availability of internet connections brought with XP updates and security improvements. With time, those transform the operating system. As a result, if you compare XP’s initial and current forms, they are two completely different beasts. The same is expected to happen with Vista and in fact online and PC press already point to improvements from updates before even SP1. Of course, Sp1 is definitely going to include all of those and the combined effect is expected to be positive. Bear in mind that Apple releases new versions of OSX that a consumer has to pay for…
• SP3 for XP is going to signal the end of the road for XP. Expect everybody working for SP3 XP to start working on Vista updates full time.

All I am trying to say is that user worries about Vista are not much different to the problems we had with XP some years ago. It is far from perfect but things get better and will keep going that way, as for any operating system that matures. After the official release of SP1 it will be a good time to move to Vista. And as service packs have worked beneficially for the image of XP, I expect something similar now. So overall, I believe SP1 will help sales and I am one of those that will upgrade at home.

Old hardware is going to remain a trap for upgrades and a continued source of complaints. It is to the credit of PC manufacturers that they now include 2 GB RAM in many of their models -especially in laptops where RAM additions can be costly. As for the confusion about Vista flavours things have cleared up as market forces have proven that too many versions are unnecessary. For privateers Vista Ultimate for language flexibility -or if you do not want to miss anything- or Vista Home Premium. Vista Business should keep most office users happy.