Yes, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Release Candidate 1, the whole shebang. The past week Microsoft has made available the first public release of Vista SP1. This move from the Redmond company, seasoned with adjacent releases including Windows Server 2008 Release Candidate 1, a public quasi-final build of Windows XP SP3 RC, the final version of SP1 for the Office 2007 System and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Beta, the hypervisor role on Microsoft's last 32-bit operating system, is a clear indication of the proximity of the service pack. The fact of the matter is that Vista SP1's final availability date is strictly dependent only on a standard of quality that will be set via end user feedback.

Otherwise, Vista SP1 remains on track to be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2008. The initial release candidate for Windows Vista SP1 was dropped on December 12th, a couple of days later, on December 14th, Microsoft re-issued all the offerings connected to the first release candidate of the service pack. At the end of the past week, the Redmond company made available fresh downloads for the four standalone installers of Vista SP1 RC1, as well as the revamped Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC Public Availability Program. As of now, Microsoft has failed to offer any information on the changes, if any, introduced to the Vista SP1 downloads refreshed on December 14th.

Windows Vista users will be able to access, download and implement both the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the SP1 RC for Microsoft's latest Windows client. Vista SP1 RC is available as a 5 Language Standalone Package and as All Language Standalone Package, for both the x64 and x86 editions of the platform.

"Windows Vista SP1 RC is pre-release software and will change before the final release. Windows Vista SP1 RC is for individuals, organizations, and technical enthusiasts who are comfortable evaluating pre-release software and is provided for testing purposes only. Microsoft does not recommend installing this software on primary or mission critical systems. Microsoft recommends that you have a backup of your data prior to installing any pre-release software", Microsoft informed.

At the same time, Vista SP1 is up for grabs via Windows Update. But in order to get their hands on the Release Candidate for the service pack, users will have to hack their registry with a script that will allow the serving of Vista SP1 RC through WU.

"Windows Vista SP1 RC will no longer operate after June 30, 2008 and should be uninstalled prior to that date. After installation your desktop will show the text 'Evaluation Copy'. This does not mean that your system is no longer genuine but that you have installed a test version of software which is time-limited. The 'Evaluation Copy' text will appear on your desktop after the second reboot after installing the service pack. Likewise, the 'Evaluation Copy' text will remain on your desktop during the first reboot after uninstall the service pack, but will disappear after the next reboot", Microsoft added.