Now that a few folks have got their grubby little paws on beta versions of Windows Vista Service Pack 1, we can tell you a bit about some of the updates.

There's still no way to download and install Vista SP1. It's only available as a 3.2GB DVD ISO which you can burn to disc and use to install a full version of Windows Vista. But APC Magazine and I Started Something have taken a look under the hood.

First up, there are a few visual tweaks. For example, the startup splash screen has been tweaked to match the screen you get when resuming from hibernation. And above you can see the sound properties menu for Windows Vista. Service Pack 1 is on the left, and has a slightly more refined look than the original Windows Vista sound properties menu on the right.

The only new feature in SP1 is a new "create a recovery disc" tool. Otherwise, most of what you get are bug fixes. Four hotfixes are included with about individual packages. APC Magazine reports that their test system seemed to run more smoothly after an update. Of course, performing a fresh install of Windows always creates that illusion. But we're cautiously optimistic. Hopefully this release will be available through Windows Update in the not to distant future.