The following overview will list the major Microsoft download portals (Keep in mind that these link to the English language portals):

• Codeplex: Download Portal for Open Source third party software
• IE Addons: Provides information and downloads about add-ons for the Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser.
• Microsoft Developer Network: The developer portal. Most content is restricted to subscribers but some can be accessed publicly.
• Microsoft Download Center: Microsoft’s main download repository that contains links to updates, trial versions and service packs.
• Microsoft Office Labs: Office concepts and prototypes
• Microsoft Research: Site for tech demos and prototypes that can be downloaded publicly.
• Microsoft Security: Security portal that provides latest security news and downloads for Microsoft products.
• Microsoft TechNet: Contains resources for IT professionals. Lots of technical stuff plus downloads.
• TechNet Evaluation Center: Download of beta and trial software.
• Microsoft Update: Works only in Internet Explorer. Will scan the computer system for Microsoft products and suggest updates that can be downloaded and installed on site.
• Office Update: The main page for Office updates and downloads of all kind including updates, service packs and add-ons.
• Vista Gallery: Gadget downloads for Windows Vista.
• Windows Live: Download the Windows Live software and install all or selected products.
• Windows Live Gallery: Download and review sidebar gadgets, emoticons, toolbars, display pictures, web gadgets, winks and sideshow gadgets.
• WM Plugins: Codecs, skins, effects and additional tools for the Windows Media Player.

Did we miss a website or portal? Let us know in the comments.

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There is however no need anymore to fire up your P2P application as you can download both service packs directly and officially from Microsoft. Two ways are provided by Microsoft. The first is a direct download of both service packs which is definitely the easier and probably also the faster method to download the service packs.

The second method would be to download a small script that adds an entry to the Windows Registry upon execution which will make the service packs available in Windows Update.

Please note that the service packs are only available in the languages English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese.

It is also important to note that this is still a beta version of the upcoming service pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 and as such should not be installed on computer systems that you need to work with. The release is intended to be tested by a larger audience.The beta of the service pack will expire in May 2009.

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