Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Q & A..

Q1. What are the differences between Standard, Enterprise and Web Editions of Windows Server 2003?

A1. The Windows Server 2003 operating system family as offered by HP includes three products which share core functionality but offer varying levels of features and scalability to address different classes of business solutions.

* Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the server operating system of choice for medium to large businesses. It delivers the functionality needed for enterprise infrastructure, line-of-business applications, and e-commerce transactions. It comes in 32-bit, x64, and 64-bit for Itanium versions. HP supports Enterprise Edition on HP ProLiant and HP Integrity servers with up to 8 processors.

* Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is the network operating system recommended for small-business environments. It is an ideal solution for the basic file, print, and collaboration needs of departments and small organizations. HP supports 32-bit Standard Edition and Standard x64 Edition on HP ProLiant Servers with up to 4 processors.

* Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is a single-purpose edition for building and hosting Web applications, Web pages, and XML Web services. It will only be distributed through selected partner channels and will not be available for retail. HP supports 32-bit Web Edition on HP ProLiant servers with up to 2 processors.
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Q2. Are there any differences between 32-bit, x64, and 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003?

A2. All editions of Windows Server 2003 are based on the same source code and include the same features except that the 64-bit editions don't currently include native 64-bit .NET Framework or Common Language Runtime (CLR). In addition, Windows Media Player is not included in 64bit versions. The 64-bit .NET Framework and CLR will be available in 2H05.

Both existing 32-bit Windows applications and new native 64-bit applications are supported concurrently by Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions. Most current 32-bit Windows applications are compatible with the x64 Editions. The new native x64 Windows applications are of course compatible from the beginning. For the most current listing of both 32-bit and 64-bit compatible applications check Applications for x64 Editions.
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Q3. What's the difference between Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions and Windows Server 2003 for 64-bit Itanium-based Systems?

A3. The Windows Server 2003 family supports two different 64-bit architectures. The first is based on Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC) architecture, and supports servers like HP Integrity using the Intel Itanium 2 processor family. The second is based on 64-bit extensions to the x86 instruction set, and supports servers like the HP ProLiant family with AMD Opteron and Intel Xeon with Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T) based processors.

Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Itanium-based Systems delivers the highest levels of scalability for native 64-bit workloads such as databases and business applications. HP supports these editions on the HP Integrity family of servers.

Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions provide high-performance support for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the same server providing great versatility and broad application support for smoothing your migration to 64-bit technology. HP supports the x64 Editions on the HP ProLiant family of servers.
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Q4. I'm using Windows 2000. Why would I want to upgrade to Windows Server 2003?

A4. The major new enhancement in Windows Server 2003 over Windows 2000 and the major reasons to upgrade from Windows 2000 include:

* Scalability is dramatically improved with support for up to 64 processor, 512 GB memory, Itanium 2-based systems like the HP Superdome.

* Active Directory enhancements include tools that bring drag-an-drop directory tree editing, multi-object selection, the ability to rename domains, and the ability to save and reuse queries saving you time and errors. Cross forest trusts simplify management in multiple forest environments that frequently arise as companies merge and re-organize.

* The Group Policy Management Console makes it much easier to view and manage group policy saving time, training cost, and errors.

* New Resultant Set of Policy tool is an infrastructure provided as a set of Microsoft Management Console snap-ins that allows administrators to see the effect of Group Policy changes making it easier to plan, monitor, and troubleshoot Group Policy.

* The Volume Shadow Copy/Restore service lets administrators configure point in time backup of critical data volumes without interrupting service. Shadow Copy also supports open file backup permitting applications to continue to run while backup is in progress.

* The re-architected Internet Information Services 6.0 (IIS) provides improved performance, scalability, and security over Windows 2000.

* Integrated .NET Framework provide an applications platform for quickly building and deploying XML Web services solutions.

* Command-Line Management extensions enable administration from a command line console or scripts providing additional flexibility and productivity.

* Up to 8-node clustering provides enhanced reliability - if one of the nodes in the cluster becomes unavailable, another node begins providing service through a process called failover.

* Secure Wireless LAN (802.1X) enhancements improve privacy and security over Windows 2000.

* Headless Server Support and Command Line Management extensions enable administration from a command line console or scripts improving flexibility and productivity.

For more details on why to upgrade from Windows Server 2003, see Upgrading to Windows Server 2003 from Windows 2000 Server.
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Q5. I'm using Window NT4. Why should I upgrade to Windows Server 2003?

A5. In addition to providing the fastest, most reliable and most secure Windows Server ever, Windows Server 2003 integrates a powerful application environment to develop innovative XML Web services and business solutions that dramatically improve process efficiency. Here are the major new features and improvements for organizations considering upgrading from Microsoft Windows NT® Server 4.0:

* Active Directory
* Group Policy: Group Policy Management Console
* Server Performance
* Volume Shadow Copy Restore
* Internet Information Services 6.0 and the Microsoft .NET Framework
* Terminal Services
* Clustering (Eight-Node Support)
* Integrated PKI Support Using Kerberos Version 5
* Command-Line Management
* Intelligent File Services
* Encrypting File System, Distributed File System, File Replication Service