Vista Update Already Set

On the verge of the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft is already accepting orders for features to go in the operating system's first service pack.

Compiling Wish List

Microsoft is taking feedback from testers who are part of its Technology Adoption Program (TAP), which lets certain partners evaluate prerelease software, a Microsoft spokesman in London said on Wednesday. Service packs typically consist of a mix of bug fixes and new features.

Microsoft is set to release Vista for consumers next Tuesday, although it has been available to volume-license customers since November 30.

The company doesn't mention future update plans for Vista on its service pack road map. The spokesperson said a release date for the first service pack was not yet available.

The company, however, will continue to push out "critical" fixes for Vista through Windows Update, Microsoft's automated patch rollout system, the spokesperson said.

Comparing XP's Schedule

With Windows XP, Microsoft released the first service pack in September 2002, 11 months after the initial release of the OS. XP's second service pack--which added a host of security features to combat increased hacking--was released in August 2004.

Microsoft has said another service pack will ship for Windows XP, but the company has pushed its release to 2008 and some customers are skeptical that Microsoft will continue to update the operating system once Vista ships.