service pack one or none?

[kinkywink]

is there a real difference between say, windows 7 ultimate (64bit) and windows 7 ultimate (64bit) service pack one?

[neon]

Not per se, a service pack is just a collection of windows updates, if you were to install Windows 7 none SP1 then you will be given the SP1 update in windows update which would then make your install Windows 7 SP1.

 

The advantage of installing Windows 7 SP1 is that there is then less updates to then install from Windows update, that is the only difference.

 

If you are looking to buy Windows 7 then go whichever is cheapest or if they are the same price go with SP1, or I would actually suggest if you buying a new OS now then go with Windows 8 (or 8.1 but the difference is essentially the same as 7 and 7 SP1) because that is the latest.

[ultimatemythbuster]

is there a real difference between say, windows 7 ultimate (64bit) and windows 7 ultimate (64bit) service pack one?

Various security updates, hotfixes, and other windows updates.  You should ALWAYS have the latest service pack.  There are no reasons why you should not have it.