Vista - Vista SP2 beta could land within next four weeks

Vista SP2 beta could land within next four weeks at The Register

Microsoft is readying Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) and will hand it over to beta testers within the next month.
According to Neowin.net, which quotes an MS tipster, betas will be available to a closed group of guinea pigs – though not to the general public – in about four weeks.
Windows Search 4 will reportedly be included in Vista SP2. Bluetooth wireless and VIA 64-bit CPU support will also be crammed into the release that will come with additional application compatibility updates.
Neowin also claimed that a beta of Server 2008 SP2 should arrive in about the same timeframe, and that private testers have already been invited to grapple with the beta.
The build is expected to include better manageability features with the DFS/FRS console, print server and spooler performance improvements and backwards compatibility with Terminal Services licensing keys.
Meanwhile, Microsoft will be brushing Vista under the carpet and lifting the lid on its next major operating system release – Windows 7 – at its Professional Developers' Conference (PDC) in Los Angeles next week.
El Reg asked Microsoft if it could confirm the betas would land for hardcore testers within the next month. However, at time of writing it is yet to return our request for comment

Wow...hopefully this will really polish Vista up. Looking forward to reading update notes on this.

Preliminary update notes are already available: First Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2 beta builds in a month

Thanks echrada, I wonder if Microsoft will follow the pattern of previous SP's, which was that the service pack was primarily a compilation of already released update and hotfixes?

I think Vista SP2 will determine how realy good Windows 7 will be. Although Vista is differnt from win 7. But I think this SP2 and windows 7 will bring back the glory of Microsoft. Lets see..

I doubt you can compare Windows 7 to Vista SP2 that much. I hope they rewrite Windows 7 that just add on to Vista.

Hi Angelo. I hope so. I understand that Windows 7 is in fact an evolution of Vista, in the same way that Vista is an evolution of XP etc. From all I've read Microsoft are addressing many of Vista's issues in the new O/S. Having said that I maintain quite vigorously that Vista is a great OS. Very sophisticated and powerful. Any upward evolution has GOT to be exciting stuff. While I may criticise Vista, it is the way I grumble about the Missus, Nobody else is allowed to say anything bad about her, and I don't know of any replacement that would be her equal.

Most of the problems with Vista were users and their old hardware. Put decent hardware under Vista and it runs great. It would be like putting used parts in a new car. You don't get the same performance.

Well said gentlemen, Norm you have redeemed yourself in my eyes with your comments about your good lady

I wonder how much of an impact this service pack will be on the OS, I didn't have to worry about SP1 as the machine came with it preloaded but have to wonder how the install may go.
Saying that though I have never had any problems with updates or service packs when I was using my previous OS's even SP3 went without a hitch on XP Home and I didn't turn off anything before doing it

I agree 100% and have been saying that from the begining.