I have just noticed that Microsoft have started to push SP 2 of Windows Vista (which was released on the 26th of May) through Windows Update. Hence now there are three ways how to get SP2:

- As a standalone installer from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=a4dd31d5-f907-4406-9012-a5c3199ea2b3

- As an ISO image from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=9f073285-b6ef-4297-85ce-f4463d06d6cb

- Via Windows Update from http://update.microsoft.com

Which method you choose to get SP 2 depends on:

(i) Internet Connection: If you have a fast connection then go for either the standalone installer (348.3 MB) or for the ISO image (1376.8 MB), but if you have a slow connection get it via Widnows Update.

(ii) Type of deployment. If you will be installing SP 2 on more than one computer go for either the standalone installer (348.3 MB) or for the ISO image (1376.8 MB), but if you plan to install it only on one computer then get it via Windows Update from that computer.

The footprint via Windows Update is much smaller (and hence will download faster) because it only contains those parts which are required by the computer from which SP 2 is being downloaded.

1. Microsoft releases Service Pack 2 for Office 2007
2. Vista SP 2 not always available via Windows Update
3. Windows Vista to Windows 7 upgrades
4. Microsoft already planning Windows 8
5. More free Hard Disk space after installing Vista SP 2