Service Packs

You may have seen your computer downloading various updates at certain times and you may have come across an update called a Service Pack.

A Service Pack is generally a collection of software updates and security fixes to help your computer perform better, most of the time the Service Pack is simply a collection of updates that your computer may have missed at the time of release.

• Windows XP is currently at Service Pack 3
• Windows Vista is currently at Service Pack 2
• Windows 7 is currently at Service Pack 1

Some of the items in the Service Pack can also bring extra improvements such as with Service Pack 2 for Windows XP which added the security centre and major improvements in the way security is handled within Windows.

In Windows Vista the main emphasis was on speed and stability of the system.

Windows 7 is based more around the collection of updates.

To check which Service Pack you have installed click on the Start menu and hover of the the My Computer icon or Computer icon depending on your version then Right Click and select Properties, another window will appear showing you information about your computer, you should here be able to see which version of the Service Pack you have.

Most computers will be up to date with the Service Packs as they are "delivered" to you from the Internet directly and automatically.