14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has made available for download not only the first upgrade for the latest iteration of its Windows client, but also the componentized version of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) RTM. With Windows 7 SP1 RTM available to all customers as of February 22nd, 2011 via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center, the software giant has now also started offering a free taste of Windows Embedded Standard 7 SP1.
Customers interested in seeing just what the first upgrade for Windows Embedded Standard 7 brings to the table should download the Evaluation Edition for Service Pack 1 that Microsoft is offerings free of charge.
Most users have already heard that Microsoft delivered the same SP1 for both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, with the two platforms being joined at the hip.
But at the same time, Windows Embedded Standard 7 was also updated to SP1. This because Windows Embedded Standard 7 is essentially the componentized version of the Windows 7 client, a spin-off if you will, plus a few additional components including a toolkit for deployment, extra embedded features and support resources from the embedded community.
But while Windows 7 SP1 did not introduce any major changes compared to the RTM version, not the same can be said about Windows Embedded Standard 7 SP1.
According to Microsoft, customers will be able to take advantage of three new technologies in Windows Embedded Standard SP1:
“1.Remote Desktop Protocol 7.1 (RDP7.1) includes RemoteFX, which is a set of technologies that includes USB Redirection, Multi-media redirection, Multi-monitor support.
2.SD Boot allows building and installation of Windows Embedded Standard 7 images on SD cards. Customers may boot a Windows Embedded Standard 7 image from an SD card (no roaming) as long as the SD card is in the device enclosure and not easily accessible to the end user.
3.SKU Compliance Package is added to the image after it is developed. This package deactivates features not in the designated SKU.”
Windows Embedded Standard 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) RTM Evaluation Edition is available for download here. Windows 7 SP1 RTM and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RTM are available for download here.