infoTECH Feature

March 07, 2011

Windows Server 2008 R2 Gets Service Pack 1

Those of you running Windows Server 2008 R2 may be aware that the operating system recently received its first service pack. Last week I wrote about Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, so now I thought we’d take a quick look at SP1 for Server 2008 R2.

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 both use the same underlying kernel and code base, so it makes sense for Microsoft (News - Alert) to push out their respective Service Packs at the same time. In fact, Microsoft uses the same SP1 installation file for both operating systems. Since Server 2008 R2 is a 64-bit operating system, you run the same file that you’d use to update 64-bit Windows 7.

SP1 for Server 2008 R2 is available as a download via Windows Update, so it should automatically show up for installation on your server. If you’ve disabled automated updates or wish to download SP1 manually, you’ll find its installation file on its dedicated page at the Microsoft Download Center. Simply download and install the file windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe.

OK, so what new features and fixes does Server 2008 R2 SP1 offer? As with Windows 7, the service pack is for the most part a collection of all the updates and patches that Microsoft has rolled out for the server operating system since it launched in 2009. Aside from the hotfixes and patches, the new Service Pack does offer a few enhancements.

Dynamic Memory: For those of you who run multiple virtualized operating systems on your 2008 R2 server via Microsoft’s Hyper-V, SP1 offers better memory usage. Allocating the right amount of memory from physical RAM (News - Alert) to your virtualized machines is always a challenge. Through a new Dynamic Memory feature designed for Hyper-V, available memory can now be pooled dynamically to your virtual machines as needed.

Microsoft RemoteFX: Running virtualized desktops and remote applications on your server that your users can tap into can save your organization time and money. But often the experience of connecting to a virtualized desktop can be less than satisfying, both in terms of performance and visuals. This is especially true if your users are trying to work with graphics-intensive applications running virtually on your server.

The RemoteFX feature offered through SP1 is designed to boost the performance and speed of your virtualized desktops to help your users feel like they’re working at their own local clients. Using RemoteFX requires that the server be running Server 2008 R2 SP1, the virtualized desktops running Windows 7 Ultimate or Enterprise with SP1, and the clients running either Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 or Windows 7 with SP1. Windows 7 SP1 also includes an updated version of Remote Desktop Services, which is also required.

The new Service Pack for Server 2008 R2 offers other enhancements, but I think the Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX are two of the most significant and interesting ones for those of you who use your servers for virtualization.

The installation of SP1 itself should go smoothly. I tested it on Server 2008 R2, and it installed without a hitch. However, before you install SP1 on your server or servers, I recommend you review the support documents on the service pack at Microsoft’s Download Center. You’ll find some helpful information explaining how to install and deploy the service pack, and a list of all the features and fixes that it includes.


Lance Whitney is a journalist, IT consultant, and Web Developer with almost 20 years of experience in the IT world. To read more of Lance's articles, please visit his columnist page

Edited by Tammy Wolf
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