Details via www.pcauthority.com.au

Microsoft today announced the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) will be available for PC users on February 22, bringing a host of improvements (albeit minor) to the Windows 7 OS.

Windows 7 SP1 contains a host of minor feature updates, including a revamped remote Desktop client, a speedier interface and improved reliability. It also collates all previous OS updates that Microsoft has released for Windows 7 since its launch on July 22nd 2009. This is a significant time-saver for anyone looking to reinstall Windows, as it rolls every patch into one easy-to-manage package.

The Release Candidate of SP1 adds some changes to the beta version, which has been available since July last year. This includes improvements to security, networking and mobility; particularly for advanced users and IT professionals. (For a comprehensive overview of what’s new, check out Microsoft’s TechNet website).

If your Windows 7 system is up to date with patches, there isn't really any need to rush out and grab the Service Pack right this minute. However for those about to do a fresh install, Service Pack 1 is definitely worth installing.

The Windows 7 Service Pack weighs in at 1.2GB. According to Microsoft, no critical issues that require you to take corrective action either before or immediately after installation have been discovered during testing.

Windows 7 SP1 will Release to Manufacturing RTM today. Current customers of the Windows Volume Licensing program will be able to download the Service Pack on February 16.