Vista SP2: At a windows update near you!

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 was made available today through Windows update. I saw that there were some concerns on the web on installing the update.People having “issues”. There was one  report of a User having to do a system restore after the update completed because the machine became unbootable. But, I’m brave and need to test the update so, I plowed right along.

It was a typical multi-stage update, similar to the Service Pack 1 Installation, but took a little longer. The primary download was about 300ish meg so, that took a bit of time. Then the OS portion of the update started. This phase was relatively quick, only taking about 8 or so minutes to complete. Then the OS starts the shut-down and 3 stage install. Stages 1 and 2 in prior to the reboot took about 30 minutes to complete. Once those were done the machine rebooted and finished stage 3 which only lasted a couple of minutes tops.

I read that people noticed an increase of Disc space after the Service Pack was installed. Don’t go getting your hopes up. Although you probably will see a space gain, it is only from the removal of all but the latest restore point. Remember, Vista saves musltiple “Previous Versions” and they tend to take up a bit of space.

What’s included in Vista Sp2? Well, here is the spiel from microsoft:

•  Program compatibility. Microsoft works to ensure that your programs work seamlessly on Windows Vista. We also work with our partners to improve the reliability and compatibility of non-Microsoft programs. So, SP2 includes previously released updates that are available to you when you use Windows Update, and it also includes new compatibility fixes for individual programs.
• Hardware support. Among other improvements, SP2 provides you with additional support for Bluetooth wireless technology and improved performance for Wi-Fi connections after the computer resumes from sleep mode. Additionally, you can now record data to Blu-ray Disc media. 
• General operating system updates. SP2 includes Windows Search 4.0, which has improved indexing and searching capabilities. SP2 also includes fixes that can improve recording TV using Windows Media Center.

There are lots of other things in there as well… for a full account Check out the TechNet Release Notes.

1. How do you get the Service Pack?   Well, it should show up in your Windows updates.
2. Should you do the update?   Well, I would say yes. But, You Have To Have SP 1 Installed First. This update WILL NOT install service pack 1. So, If for some reason, you on’t have that one done, install it and any other update needed first.

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Free Programs You Need

Free is good!

And in this case Free is GREAT.

Here are some of my favorite FREE programs that I use on a regular basis. Techie or not these programs will make a good addition to your arsenal.

If you have a favorite useful program that is not listed please post it in the comments… (make sure it’s FREE )

Top Free Programs you NEED!

1. Acrobat Reader : come on, you need to be able to open all those PDF’s.
2. Mozilla FireFox : Yes, get this browser! It’s safe, fast, free and fancy… well maybe not fancy but, it’s free!
3. Internet Explorer 8 : OK, I know I just said get FireFox but sometimes you NEED IE to access some sites. IE 8 is Microsofts newest release and appears to be better than previous versions.
4. Zune Software : Ok, Ok.. Don’t get a Zune, I don’t care but, do use the software, it’s really great for managing your mp3s, videos, podcasts, etc… Give it a try. It is a little big 100 meg(ish) download but, worth it!
5. Audacity : Everbody needs to record some audio. Audacity is great!! I used it to create some funny Station IDs for brink.fm
6. Open Office : Open Office is a perfect, Free solution to shelling out 100′s on MS Office.
7. Foxmarks/Xmarks : Ok, now that I’ve got you using FireFox AND IE 8, you’ll want to synch your Favorites.. Foxmarks is the perfect solution.
8. Tweetdeck : For the twitter obsessed… this is a must!
9. AVG Free : AVG is a good, free, light on memory Antivirus. Unlike McAfee and Norton this AV wont bring your computer to a crawl.
10. Tools: These I will combine into one: Adaware, Malware Bytes, Spybot, HiJack This, and Combo Fix

*Update:

I’ve forgotten a few and had been adding them as comments… I’m going to add those to this post in a new list:

1. Windows Live Essentials : Windows Live Essentials gives you instant messaging, e-mail, blogging, photos, and more.
2. Jing : Jing is a GREAT and Free program that you can use for screen captures and Screen Casting.
3. 7zip : 7zip is a utility to compress and decompress zip archives.
4. Mozy: Can’t believe I forgot this one… Mozy is online backup. They have a free (for home use) account for up to 2gig of backup. or for $5 a month you can get unlimited backup.
5. Live Mesh : Synchronizing life. Sync, share, and access the information you care about—wherever you happen to be.
6. …. check back for more

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