14 DAY TRIAL // There are a few ways in which Windows 7 customers can boost their experience with the RTM version of the OS while waiting for Microsoft to release the first upgrade.
According to third-party reports, the Redmond company signed-off Windows 7 Service Pack 1 RTM, and even if the software giant continues to be mute on the service pack, the SP1 RTM bits have already been leaked in the wild.
Users are however better off waiting for the official Windows 7 SP1 RTM launch from Microsoft, and until that time, they can deploy a few updates to ensure that their copy of the platform evolves, albeit not at the same scale as if the first upgrade would be installed.
KB976902 is one of the refreshes Microsoft delivered in January 2011. This specific release is an installation software feature update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
“This software update will be a prerequisite to install service packs. Additionally, this update improves reliability when you install or remove Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 updates and service packs,” the software giant explained.
Customers can also grab KB2454826, namely a performance and functionality update for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2.
“This update provides new functionality and performance improvement for the graphics platform.
“This update provides performance improvements when you print from XPS-based applications to GDI-based print drivers.
This update resolves some streaming issues that are related to Media Foundation,” the Redmond company said.
And while they’re at it, users can also get KB974431, the last stability and reliability update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 released in 2010.
“This update improves the stability and reliability of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2 in various scenarios,” Microsoft stated.
Download KB976902:
Download the Windows 7, 32-bit editions package now.
Download the Windows 7, 64-bit editions package now.
Download the Windows Server 2008 R2, 64-bit Editions package now.
Download the Windows Server 2008 R2, IA-64-bit Editions package now.
Download the Windows Embedded Standard 7, 32-bit editions package now.
Download the Windows Embedded Standard 7, 64-bit editions package now.
Download KB2454826: All supported x86-based versions of Windows 7
All supported x64-based versions of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2
Download KB974431:
Download the Update for Windows 7 (KB974431) package now.
Download the Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB974431) package now.
Download the Update for Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB974431) package now