Microsoft has announced that the first service pack for Windows 7 operating system would be available for public download from February 22 onwards.

For users, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 doesn't pack any new feature but is a cumulative bunch of security updates and hot fixes. From today, Microsoft Developer Network subscribers, TechNet subscribers and Volume License customers would be able to download the Windows 7 SP1. Windows 7 SP1 would be available as a direct download from Microsoft Download Center or through Windows Update. Before you start updating:

• Ensure the laptop is plugged in to an electrical outlet (AC) while installing Windows 7 SP1
• Save work and take back up of important files before you start the installation since it requires a reboot and implements number of changes
• Installing Windows 7 SP1 requires a bit more hard drive space. Use Disk Cleanup tool to assist in freeing up hard drive space.

For those who may want to free up hard drive space, it is possible to remove the service pack installation specific files after installing Windows 7 SP1. After installing Windows 7 SP1, you can remove the service pack installation files by running Disk Cleanup and clicking on the 'Clean up system files' button and checking 'Service Pack Backup Files' to free up space.