The pieces of SP2 you won't get in advance from automatic updates are what Microsoft calls hotfixes urgent fixes for bugs that only occur on specific systems with specific combinations of hardware and software that are only tested on those combinations so the Windows team can get them out quickly while they work on a fix for the underlying problem and test that on the full range of PCs. That makes rumours of a Windows 7 Service Pack 2 release date in the middle of 2012 plausible June would be another 16 months. The Windows 8 release date is still unconfirmed, but we're expecting an announcement and public access to a beta version at Microsoft's Professional Developer conference this September and that argues for the code being finished in the middle of 2012 and on sale before Christmas. Microsoft also tries to get the latest service pack for the previous version of Windows out before the new operating system (the timing means stability and performance fixes that have been developed and tested as part of the next version can be ported back to the previous code base where possible). Windows 7 went on sale in late October 2009 and SP1 came out in late February this year (exactly 16 months later). Vista includes many of the features stated above, as well as the new Windows Defender.Just as new versions of Windows come every two to three years - 'we think somewhere between 24 and 36 months between releases is about right,' says Windows senior VP Steven Sinofsky - service packs come in between, every 12 to 18 months. The security updates in SP2 were the base for the security in Windows Vista. Environment - There were non trackable changes in the environment of SP2 from SP1.The sliding bars were changed to the color blue. The copyright at the bottom of the screen was removed, and the words 'Home Edition' and 'Professional' were wiped off. Startup screen - The startup screen was significantly changed.Windows Media Player 10 - WMP 10 was released with SP2 with an improved interface, and new capability features.Windows Movie Maker 2 - The next edition of Windows Movie Maker was introduced in SP2 with dozens of new effects.

Pop-up blocker - The pop-up blocker was built into Internet Explorer after Microsoft drew some criticism for releasing IE without any pop-up blockers.

This included the addition of Windows Firewall, and the enhanced monitoring of virus protection and system updates.

Security - Huge security updates were included in Service Pack 2.

Service Pack 2 included many important addons and updates:

Windows 7 pack 2