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And with Windows XP available only on ultra-low-cost desktops and laptops and via downgrade rights, the focus falls entirely on the Windows Vista platform, now with Service Pack 1. But even Vista SP1 needs additional work, and the latest evolution involves a newly released reliability and performance update straight from Microsoft. And since Vista SP1 shares its core and codebase with Windows Server 2008, the update is also available for the latest version of the Windows Server operating system.

"This update resolves issues that may affect some Windows Vista SP1-based or Windows Server 2008-based computers. These issues have been reported by customers who use the Error Reporting service or Microsoft Customer Support Services. This update improves the performance, stability, and reliability of Windows Vista SP1 and of Windows Server 2008 in various scenarios," Microsoft informed.

The refresh is designed to integrate seamlessly with just the gold variants of Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 RTM/SP1. Microsoft has indicated repeatedly a strong commitment not to rely exclusively on service pack releases in order to "grow" its software products. And in this regard, releases served via Windows Update offer illustrative examples of how Microsoft is leaning on incremental updates rather than major refreshes in order to increase the quality of the user experience.

Here are the items included in the reliability and performance update, as revealed by Microsoft:
"• Improvements to the stability of Windows Vista SP1-based or Windows Server 2008-based computers that use Windows ReadyBoost technology.
• Improvements to the performance of wireless adapters when you switch between preferred networks after the computer resumes from hibernation.
• New functionality to prevent a data loss scenario when certain registry keys are missing while the Microsoft Disk Cleanup tool is running.
• Improvements to system reliability when Group Policy settings and SMB signing are used.
• Improvements to the stability of systems on which Nvidia graphics cards are installed."

The download pages of the update can be accessed via the links below in accordance with the specific versions of Vista and Windows Server 2008:

Windows Vista, 32-bit versions
Windows Vista, 64-bit versions
Windows Server 2008, 32-bit versions
Windows Server 2008, 64-bit versions
Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based versions