News

Service Pack 1 RC Now Available for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

The release candidate (RC) version of Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 can now be downloaded.

Microsoft issued the RC today (downloadable here), which represents the final test version before product release. Much of the details about SP1 were earlier described when Microsoft announced the beta version at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference event in July.

SP1 contains an update rollup, but no new features for Windows 7 users. Instead, there are two new virtualization features for Windows Server 2008 R2. The "dynamic memory" and "RemoteFX" features are something that IT pros and larger organizations might consider using, but might be overkill for smaller shops.

The dynamic memory function allows users to pool the memory available on hardware and allocate it dynamically to virtual machines as needed. It helps extract more efficiency from server farms when using server virtualization. This feature is supported on the Standard and Web editions of Windows Server 2008 R2.

The RemoteFX capability will enable a better graphics experience on thin-client devices when users connect remotely with servers to enable desktop virtualization. It works with Microsoft's Remote Desktop Services core virtualization technology in Windows Server 2008 R2. With RemoteFX in place, Microsoft promises the ability to tap into three-dimensional graphics (such as AutoCAD) and streaming video via thin-client devices.

For those awaiting the final SP1 product, it's expected to arrive sometime "during first quarter 2011," according to a Microsoft blog.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.

Most   Popular