Following the RTM date of Windows Vista SP1 in February, Microsoft has been delivering the service pack in various flavors designed to satisfy a variety of scenarios. This was illustrated by the service pack's releases, focused not only on end users (Windows Update, the Download Center, Automatic Updates), but also on developers and IT professionals (via MSDN and TechNet). However, while Microsoft is relying mainly on its server infrastructure to deliver Vista SP1 for download, there are alternatives for users to get their hands on the first service pack for the latest Windows client. In this regard, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 DVD is just such an alternative.

Microsoft is prepared to accommodate all Vista RTM users that want to jump to Service Pack 1, in scenarios where downloading is not an option. The Vista SP1 RTM Patch DVD can be ordered straight from Microsoft, but the company will ask consumers to pay for postage. A Vista SP1 Patch DVD comes with a price tag of just $11.74, with Microsoft informing that: "product prices shown do not include VAT. VAT is charged based on the VAT Rate of the country to which the product ships. Shipping and handling charges are included in the price."

End users can order the Vista SP1 Patch DVD in all the languages supported by Microsoft for the RTM edition of the operating system. The Redmond company will ship no more than four DVDs containing the gold bits of Vista SP1 around the world.

United States and Canada consumers also have the possibility of ordering the Windows Vista SP1 Alternative Media. "Microsoft is pleased to offer you a choice of media for Windows Vista. (...) The retail package product ships on DVD with 32-bit edition software. Two alternate forms of media (32-bit CD and 64-bit DVD) are available to help meet your specific requirements," the company informs. Microsoft requires that end users enter the 25-character product key which is included in the original one in order for the alternative media of Vista SP1 RTM to be shipped.

Windows Vista SP1 is available for download here.