My name is Mike Nash (Mike Nash), and I am the employee of Windows Product Management Group of Microsoft. We are pleased to inform you that today we have completed work on Windows Vista SP1 by sending the code on gold.

Service Pack 1 is an important milestone because it corrected the error Windows Vista, which over the past year have been recorded, both directly and via the Customer Experience Improvement Program. Released S SP1, we want to let the enormous progress made in productivity, reliability and compatibility. One of the benefits of my work is the ability of beta-testing our products and assemblies, using Windows Vista SP1 for quite a long time, I can say that the system is much faster and more reliable compared with the final version of Windows Vista.

When a year ago we introduced Windows Vista, many users were satisfied with innovations introduced the new OS, however, were those who could hardly find applications that work correctly in Windows Vista, others said the problems with the drivers. The reason became architectural changes that we were forced to do in order to increase the stability and security of Windows Vista. And despite the fact that these changes have resulted in some sort of problems, in the longer term, it has enabled us to significantly increase the reliability and security of Windows. Proof that you can find in this publication, which analyzed the vulnerability found in Windows Vista in the first year of its availability.

The good news, however, is that last year we have made in Windows Vista impressive results in terms of software and hardware compatibility. For example, 98 of the 100 most popular applications to date are compatible with Windows Vista. Also, it should be noted, our success in cooperation with our OEM partners, which are available at the Windows Update driver for more than 78000 devices and components. This compared with 34000 devices supported in November 2006. As a result, to date, sold more than 100 million copies of Windows Vista.

In SP1 changes implemented based on feedback from our users. SP1 significantly increases the reliability and performance of Windows Vista. The information gathered through the programme Customer Experience Improvement Program, Online Crash Analysis and Windows Error Reporting helped us to know where and why users are having problems with Windows Vista and running in the applications. And since it has a direct impact on the experience of the user and operating system, we have devoted special attention to this issue. And despite the fact that the release of Windows Vista SP1 is an important stage in the life cycle of the OS, we will continue to invest in the further improvement of operating systems.

SP1 includes changes designed to enhance the performance of Windows Vista in the areas that the priority for most users. For example, installing SP1 can speed copying / moving within a single computer or across a network, in some cases up to 50% (according to our testing). In addition, decreased time of departure from the sleep patterns, which now depends on the little used in computer devices.

The main lesson of the last year has become for us a lesson that when we change the operating system, the ecosystem needed time to check and confirm that the software and hardware to ensure work with Windows Vista as, and should. Therefore, sending Windows Vista SP1 copying, we are very serious thought on how and when SP1 will be distributed.

With today's release of SP1 - if we razoshlem updates to all our users - violated many of the plans. In the near future, our OEM partners will receive SP1 and start production of computers preloaded with Windows Vista SP1. At the same time, we will begin printing discs for retail sales. I box computers and the Windows Vista to the established SP1 will be available in the coming months. Today, we started the process of training DVD for our corporate clients receiving our products for volume-licensing program.

We intend to begin deploying SP1 for existing users of Windows Vista about the same time the emergence of retail prices of computers with installed Windows Vista SP1. There are several reasons. Our beta test revealed the problem with some drivers. These drivers do not comply with our recommendations for installing drivers, and for this reason some of the beta testers establishing SP1 on Windows Vista, reported problems with the hardware part. Because the problem lies in the method of installing the driver, not the driver himself, it becomes a solution to reinstall the drivers. Although the decision is, for us to save inexperienced users from the potential problems they may encounter after installing SP1.

In mid-March, Windows Vista SP1 will be sent via Windows Update (English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese version) and will be posted on the Download Center site Microsoft Corporation. Users who regularly Windows Update users will be able to immediately download and install the service pack updates. If Windows Update determines that the system is the driver, with whom aware of the problems, the Windows Update will not be able to offer installation SP1. Because many users prefer to download the installer to your hard disk, SP1 will be posted on the Download Center.

In mid-April, Windows Vista SP1 will be available to users of Windows Vista, who prefer to update automatically loaded. If Windows Update determines that the driver is in the system, when working with known problems, SP1 will not be installed automatically. With the emergence of the necessary drivers, they will be set automatically, which will in the future automatically install Service Pack 1.

And while we are confident that the majority of users who upgrade from Windows Vista to SP1, will not be affected, we must be sure that none of our customers will not be problems with the installation. That is why SP1 will be sent only through Windows Update in mid-March, which will give us the necessary time to work with our hardware partners with a view to making changes in the installation of the drivers. I SP1 will be available through Windows Update only to those computers that do not have problems with the drivers. Therefore, we take the next month, which we will try to resolve problems with the maximum number of problem-prone drivers.

Potential users can be assured that buying Windows Vista today, waiting for their delicious possibilities coupled with excellent performance, as well as it's working properly. However, please note that you will be able to take advantage of key Windows Vista even without SP1.

Release SP1 is a very important milestone in the life of Windows Vista users from around the world. Therefore would like to thank our customers for feedback on Windows Vista and participate in the beta test SP1. I would also like to thank our hardware and software partners for their invaluable assistance in improving Windows Vista.