Microsoft's not only delaying Windows XP SP3 temporarily, but they're also pulling off Windows Vista SP1—which has already been pushed out to automatic software update—because of potential incompatibilities. Most of us don't need to worry about it since this is just an issue with MS's SQL Servers that affect Microsoft Dynamics Retail management systems. Unless you're running a SQL database at home to track the chore distribution for your family, you can go ahead and manually fetch the update and install it yourself. [PCWorld]

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An update that went out last week for Vista to patch security holes in Windows Defender (ironically) is apparently knocking out some USB devices like mice and keyboards, so that they stop working entirely. Microsoft actually admits the issue: "We are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices. We are investigating the matter, and at this time, do not have any information to share." So you might wanna skip that one. Speaking of, the Reg also says Vista SP1's supposed auto roll-out "remains missing in action" and has an MS spokesman seemingly confirm the delay. We installed manually a while ago. Anyone got the automatic update? [The Reg]

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This video shows Microsoft Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 running 108 applications at only 30% processor usage, according to Reader Daniel Smith, who sent it to us in response to the picture of Mac OS X Leopard running 150 applications this weekend. His specs are nothing to write home about:

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Usually, Microsoft only gives you a gratis year of support if you buy a boxed version of Vista. But because the ride to SP1 has been so peanut butter-smooth (hey, sarcasm) they're offering free support for all users who upgrade to SP1, even if you got Vista on say, your Dell box. "Unlimited installation and compatibility support" via email and chat is free until Mar. 18, 2009. Any of you guys still have problems with your install? [CNET]

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Vista's SP1 was officially released on Tuesday. That means people have had enough time to tinker around with it, test it out, and share their opinions. The reviews are in, and here's what the usual suspects (plus our own most eloquent commenters) had to say.

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Updated: it was real, but Microsoft has pulled the update. According to Hexus.net, the widely-pirated but not-officially-available-yet Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is now ready for download... for some users. The site points out that the update popped today in one of their 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium systems.

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Today, Mossberg takes a look at the lukewarmly anticipated Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista. It's an odd little beast of a review, its flat, monotonal surface covering a bed of barbs. (Most of 'em are true.) Here's the sharpest one (bold is mine):

SP1 doesn't resolve some of the most annoying flaws in Vista, including slow start-ups and reboots, and a security system that nags you too much and requires add-on anti-virus software. I guess these problems will either never be fixed fully or will have to wait for SP2.

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After nearly a year of waiting, that master Vista fix known as Service Pack 1 has been released to manufacturing, meaning it will make it to you sometime this month, perhaps on that February 15 date that had been bandied about.

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