Even though Microsoft has never formally announced when it expects to deliver the first service pack for Windows 7, for one reason or another many have been speculating about possible dates. The latest comes courtesy of TechARP.com, which claims that the company has ditched its original plan of a 22-month development schedule and is now aiming for a release in the fourth quarter of 2010.

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This is an early announcement of the service pack. 9 months in advance?

Well, it could actually be just 6 months as we're talking a 4th Qtr release.

Windows 7 has been pretty rock-solid for me. Not sure what they would include in a SP release other than the monthly security updates.

I dont have Windows 7 but, why have a service pack? The OS has been pretty good right? Are there any problems?

Service packs are usually (as far as I know) just a cumulative collection of fixes with some addition addons. Personally like TomSEA said I don't know what they'd include since it has been very stable so far.

windows 7 is exactly what microsoft needed they better take care of their new cash cow

Windows 7 is pretty solid already, so it will be nice to have a service pack, but I'm not really waiting for it.

Maybe the early announcement is to keep those numbers growing.If Windows 7 is already the fastest selling OS in history I can only imagine how high the numbers will go after the release of the first service pack. jasonk1229 is right on the money, The cow is getting bigger every day.

I have had Windows 7 for about 3 months and the only problems I have had with it are some compatibility issues with older software. Hopefully this service pack will address some of those issues.

I havent had any problem with windows 7 so far... so im not awaitin this impatiently =P

I have been using Windows 7 since it was release and have updated it every day. I am pretty satisfied on how it work and haven't had any serious problems.
@Tekkaraiden
Service packs can also make some performance and stability updates that you cannot get by just minor updates. Remember Service Pack 2 for Windows Xp.

hello ...

it has to start some day ;) ...

cheers!

Microsoft has a written story. Nothing new. This time the story stars right. Stable Os, versatile, easy to use. It's clear: old applications are... old. We can buy Win7ultimate and use Xp mode but... we must understand that this time we have a real OS: give "him" right apps!

I think the story hit on it - many business and government entities won't even consider upgrading until an OS is proven stable, and a service pack gives that perception. So the sooner MS releases a service pack, the sooner corporate and government customers will buy.

I think also it is to do with prates/hackers, that the SP will elimate all the hacked ver. of win7.

I can also corroborate with how good windows 7 works, so far no problem for me. As mrtraver said, it probably is aiming to business and government to jump on the OS.

You mean the cow is getting fatter.

Anyway, I think its good on part of Microsoft that they are learning from past and taking more initiative with regard to their operating system's security/service updates in robust way. I think Vista is for Microsoft for what Pentium 4 was for Intel; sometimes companies need such a shock to awake to realities and needs of their customers, and I hope that the in the longer run from Microsoft will be responding in a similar way just like Intel i.e. innovation and that too at reasonable costs.

Yes, some companies do tend to become assholes when think they have the monopoly on things.

I can also see this SP1 having some hidden features to screw over the pirates. Yeah Windows 7 is doing well but M$ always want more.

A service pack means reinstalling windows for the pirates.... it is worth it, if it fixes the bugs.....