Windows 7 SP1 is ready to launch

Today, Microsoft company has official announced the launch date of Service Pack 1 RTM for operational systems Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. Important to note, SP1 includes all updates that were released for Windows 7 till this moment. The main feature of SP1 is extension and enchantment of virtualization functions that simplifies control over physical and virtual machines and make Cloud opportunities even more accessible and real.

For example, new RemoteFX function allows to “virtualize” graphics processor on server system. This means, that users can access 3D-graphics and huge variety of media content on behalf of virtual infrastructure. So, users with any kind of PC configuration connected to server via terminal session can enjoy the advantages of high-performance computers, like Windows Aero, HD-video, 3d-games, etc. In this scenario, all computational work is performed by server.

Besides, SP1 includes Dynamic Memory function that expands capabilities of Hyper-V technologies, whereas the last allows users to increase the number of virtual machines per resources that are available while not limiting performance or scalability of the system. In other words, all physical memory can be stored in a single array, which distributes memory among virtual machines in reference with its needs on the fly. All unused memory is allocated in that array too. Thus all server memory is always 100% in use.

You may ask, why so much consideration is given to virtualization and virtual environment? The answer is simple: it is all about the Cloud. Microsoft believes that Cloud technologies is the thing of the future. It makes development and control of infrastructure cheaper and easier, provides all-round access to data, files and documents via Internet, creates unique opportunities for collaboration and it all results in offering users new challenges.

Complex SP1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will become available fully available since 22nd of February. It can be downloaded through Windows Update or Download Center. MSDN and TechNet subscribers as well as users who bought software on behalf of Volume Licensing program can try SP1 even earlier — on February 16th.