Microsoft finally released the standalone version of the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 for 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Both versions contain five languages which are English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese. The 32-bit Service Pack 1 download has a file size of 434 Megabyte while the 64-bit file size is 726 Megabyte.
This release is intended [...]
Windows Vista SP1 Download
Windows Vista SP1 breaks applications
Microsoft released a list of applications that will either stop working completely or work with reduced functionality after installing Windows Vista Service Pack 1. Among the applications that are blocked from starting after installing Windows Vista SP1 are Zone Alarm Security Suite and Trend Micro Internet Security.
Windows Vista SP1 Refresh 2 is Vista SP1 RTM
Microsoft released the RTM version of the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 to manufacturers throughout the country about eight days ago and claimed that end users would have to wait until March before they would be able to download the long awaited Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista from the Microsoft servers. The reason for the delay were some bugs in some drivers that would be problematic for users without a technical background.
Virtual Memory too low
Windows loves to use virtual memory. Even if you set the value of virtual memory to zero it is still being used. It’s basic use is to provide additional memory if most of the RAM of the computer is already occupied. This virtual memory is taken from the hard drive from so called paging files. Most optimization articles suggest to use between one and three times of the amount of RAM as virtual memory.
Windows Vista SP1 WGA Changes
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is almost there and Microsoft kept their word related to changes to the WGA, Windows Genuine Advantage, system currently in place in Windows Vista. There are actually two different scenarios in place, the first is called Reduced Functionality Mode which Vista will start in if the user does not activate the product in time.
Shock Aero Task Switching for Windows XP, 2000 and 2003
One of the visual effects that were introduced by Microsoft in Windows Vista was the task switching effect that displayed all open programs in a 3D environment with the user being able to browse them. I give you that, it surely looks nice and I know that some users would like to have a similar effect in a previous version of Windows.
Remove unwanted programs from Windows Vista
Windows Vista ships and installs with a lot of programs and features that I do not need. I’m not only talking about games and wallpapers but also about Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer or support for Tablet PCs. These applications and functions are nevertheless installed when you install Windows Vista and there is no way of disabling many of them during the installation.
