Vista update

Microsoft has released a service update for all versions of its Windows Vista operating system. The computer giant claims that the update improves the stability, security and performance of the software. The update, or service pack, includes some fixes released before now and adds many new ones as well. Microsoft has warned that the update could clash with some security software and other programs customers may have installed on their machine.

Those using Vista can download the update directly from Microsoft or wait for it to be automatically installed on their machine in mid-April. On the Windows Vista blog, Nick White, Microsoft's product manager for the software, said those installing Service Pack One (SP1) may have to download and install some other "prerequisites" before the update can be applied.

The pre-requisites are generally updates to other programs or components of Vista to ease the passage of SP1. Mr. White also warned that some device drivers may also have to be refreshed before SP1 can be installed. Old drivers from RealTek AC, Intel and Symantec are known to stop SP1 being installed.