According to the following link, this update contains "the latest advancements in modern graphics technologies for gaming, multimedia, imaging and printing applications: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=971644." Follow the link to the download page and download "Platform Update for Windows Vista_Beta.cmd.remove". When I downloaded it and saved it to my computer, I removed the extension ".remove". Then, when the download completed, I simply ran the script. It adds an item to your registry then you are told to go to Windows Update and it will download the latest updates for your platform (OS).Best regards,Jim Young

According to the following link, this update contains "the latest advancements in modern graphics technologies for gaming, multimedia, imaging and printing applications: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=971644." Follow the link to the download page and download "Platform Update for Windows Vista_Beta.cmd.remove". When I downloaded it and saved it to my computer, I removed the extension ".remove". Then, when the download completed, I simply ran the script. It adds an item to your registry then you are told to go to Windows Update and it will download the latest updates for your platform (OS).Best regards,Jim Young

Jim,The introduction states:

The Platform Update for Windows Vista is a set of runtime libraries that makes it easy for

developers

to target both Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Seems that the libraries and APIs that you get installed is aimed to be used by developers using Vista. Is this really useful to me as an end user?

Jim,The introduction states:

The Platform Update for Windows Vista is a set of runtime libraries that makes it easy for

developers

to target both Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Seems that the libraries and APIs that you get installed is aimed to be used by developers using Vista. Is this really useful to me as an end user?

I don't think you followed the links as I suggested in my OP. If you did in deeper you'll find the following:"Public Beta Program: The Platform Update for Windows VistaStarting September 10, 2009, customers who are running Windows Vista can participate in a public beta program to obtain the Platform Update for Windows Vista beta. To participate in this public beta program, follow these steps: ". Sorry for any confusion I might have caused!Best regards,Jim YoungEDIT: Checking further, you are correct. Sorry! Not sure what it does for the consumer. I installed it. No damage done so far. I plan on updating to Windows 7 next month. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Jim

This is simply preparation for DX11, which will have zero impact on existing applications.