Windows users are familiar with installing large service packs for their version of Windows. Windows Service Packs are packages that include a collection of updates, bug fixes and performance enhancements to a particular version of Windows they have been created for.
However, with the number of Service Packs for each version of Windows decreasing, it has been rumoured that the era of Service Packs may be coming to an end. Microsoft is issuing an update before Windows 8 is available for general release (170MB), with updates to power management, performance and media playback.
Windows 2000: 4 Service Packs
Windows XP: 3 Service Packs for 32-bit versions, 2 Service Packs for 64-bit versions
Windows Vista: 2 Service Packs for all versions
Windows 7: 1 Service Pack
Microsoft are planning to release a stream of constant enhancements and updates, instead of waiting to release a Service Pack.