Windows

A common first service pack (SP1) for both Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2, the current Windows client and server OSs, builds on the shared common set of key files and was developed and tested simultaneously. Therefore, SP1 for the two OSs shares the same general availability date: Feb. 2011. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 continues to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary: few major architectural changes were made to the underlying components of either product; instead, changes concentrated on areas likely to induce large organizations and consumers to upgrade. Work is now under way on the next releases of Windows, referred to here as Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

Windows Client OS

The most recent Windows client version, Windows 7 SP1, was generally available in Feb. 2011. (See the illustration “Windows Client Overview“.) Windows Vista remains in Mainstream support. (See the chart “Past Windows Client Versions“.)

Windows 7 SP1

Windows 7 SP1 includes a rollup of all the previously released security updates, as well as patches or hotfixes for bugs reported by users since the product was launched in Oct. 2009 and a few changes to existing features.