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.Microsoft is taking feedback from testers who are part of its Technology Adoption Program, 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 Nov. 30. The company doesn’t mention future update plans for Vista on its service pack road map. The spokesman 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 spokesman said.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 is planning a third service pack for XP in the first half of 2008. -Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service (London Bureau)Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Freshworks When your AI chatbots mess up AI ‘hallucinations’ present significant business risks, but new types of guardrails can keep them from doing serious damage By Paul Gillin Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Generative AI brandpost Sponsored by Dell New research: How IT leaders drive business benefits by accelerating device refresh strategies Security leaders have particular concerns that older devices are more vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. By Laura McEwan Dec 08, 2023 3 mins Infrastructure Management case study Toyota transforms IT service desk with gen AI To help promote insourcing and quality control, Toyota Motor North America is leveraging generative AI for HR and IT service desk requests. By Thor Olavsrud Dec 08, 2023 7 mins Employee Experience Generative AI ICT Partners feature CSM certification: Costs, requirements, and all you need to know The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification sets the standard for establishing Scrum theory, developing practical applications and rules, and leading teams and stakeholders through the development process. By Moira Alexander Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Certifications IT Skills Project Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe