Windows Server 2008 Service Pack (SP) 2 is the latest service pack for Windows Server 2008. SP2 supports new types of hardware and emerging standards that will grow in importance in the coming months and years. Building on the solid foundation and proven security benefits of SP1, SP2 includes the latest set of system updates, ensuring your system is as secure and reliable as possible. SP2 simplifies administration by enabling IT administrators to deploy and support a single service pack for clients and servers.
What’s New in SP2?
SP2 adds support for 64-bit central processing unit (CPU) from VIA Technologies
SP2 introduces an improved power management policy that is up to 10% more efficient than the original in some configurations (both on the server and the desktop), and includes the ability to manage these settings via Group Policy
SP2 adds support for UTC timestamps to the exFAT file system, enabling correct file synchronization across time zones
SP2 adds the ability to natively record data on to Blu-Ray media
SP2 increases the authentication options for WebDAV redirector, enabling Microsoft Office users greater flexibility when authenticating custom applications using the WebDAV redirector
SP2 provides the Hyper-V virtualization environment as a fully integrated feature of Windows Server 2008, enabling customers to run one instance of the OS in the virtual operating environment (VOSE) with Windows Server 2008 Standard license, four instances of the OS in the VOSE with Windows Server 2008 Enterprise license and an unlimited number of OS instances in the VOSE with Windows Server 2008 Datacenter license.
SP2 improves backwards compatibility for Terminal server license keys
Additional Power Improvements over Windows Server 2008 RTM
How do I get SP2?
The easiest way to update your Windows Server 2008 with SP2 is by using the Windows Update control panel. Just set Windows Update to automatically download important updates and Windows Update will download SP2 when it's available for your PC. After SP2 is downloaded you'll see an alert like this:
If you do not have internet access, or you wish to have physical media, you can Order a Windows Server 2008 SP2 DVD by choosing your region below and clicking on the Continue button.
