I suppose reporting this story fuels the hysteria but part of me wonders why Microsoft don't want to release the date of the first Service Pack for Windows Vista, instead waiting for someone to let the word slip out by mistake.

Many people may use the Service Pack as an excuse to wait before buying Vista but they were probably going to wait anyway. Perhaps others will see it as an admission that Vista 'wasn't ready' but updates are part and parcel of any and every operating systems. As the article points out the official Service Pack page on the Microsoft website makes no mention of Vista.

My understanding is that Service Packs are largely made up of updates that have already been released so that it is easier to bring a Windows computer to a state that is considered safe. Extras such as Windows Firewall and Movie Maker have also been distributed with Service Packs. I'd far rather have new software and features come in a Service Pack when they are properly finished.

Am I being too charitable? Let me know in the comments section of this post.