Microsoft has finally release service pack one (SP1) for Vista.  The update is presently only available for download and is a whopping 434MB so you'll need a high speed (DSL or Cable) to download the update.  Microsoft will be including a more compact version for retrieval from the Microsoft Update website in the near future, But for now you can download the update from Panther Computers.  Any customer that purchased a Panther Computer in the last 30 days with Microsoft Windows Vista can bring the computer back to our store for a free upgrade.  All other Panther Computer owners with Vista or customers that have had the Panther Tuneup accomplished in the last 30 days can get the upgrade done for $30.   Other computer brands and customers can get us to do the upgrade for $75.

To upload SP1 to this website took 4 hours so have plenty of time to wait while it downloads to your computer.  The installation of Vista SP1 can take another hour to three hours with several phases to the install.  The computer will reboot several times as it applies the upgrade.  Do not interupt the process!  We recommend ensuring the weather is clear and that you have a battery backup system (UPS) to ensure a power outage doesnt crash the process of a major upgrade of this nature.  As in all things computing and especially upgrades, backup, Backup, BACKUP your data before you do it yourself or bring the PC to your local computer technician.  A System Restore Point is not a backup, use CDs, DVDs, Flash Drives, or another external source.

The improvements to Vista thus far are impressive.  Basic windows use is nearly double the speed.  I've noted fewer windows asking for verification every time you make a move.  I just updated the demo computer in our webcafe last night so haven't had time to check driver installs for printers and such, but the Beta testers have indicated SP1 includes thousands of more drivers and improved support for more devices than before.