The Very Basics of Windows 2003

Windows Server 2003 is built on Microsoft's time- tested Windows NT architecture. From Windows NT's humble beginnings in the early 1990s, Microsoft's premier network operating system server product has come quite a long way.

Today, Windows Server 2003 offers a reliable and scalable platform for deploying complex intranet solutions by integrating Internet and local network capabilities. In other words, this product will let you play Doom with people across the office or across the globe.

All the features and benefits you enjoyed with Windows 2000 Server are still in Windows Server 2003. We can't think of anything that you're giving up (at least, anything you'd actually miss ). Most of the improvements in Windows Server 2003 are found under the hood, such as changes to how Active Directory works, an expansion of command-line management tools, improvements to how domains are managed, improved security mechanisms, improved Terminal Services, improved Remote Access, and enhanced Internet Information Services.

TECHNICAL STUFF 

A can't-miss interface change is the Manage Your Server window, which appears automatically when you log on. In the Manage Your Server window, you can manage server roles and access Administrative Tools, Windows Update, the Help and Support Center, and much more. It's up to you whether you want to use Manage Your Server or start programs and utilities the old-fashioned way (by choosing Start). We chose to bypass the Manager Your Server window by selecting the Don't Display this Page at Logon check box at the bottom of the window.

The entire 2003 platform does offer some interesting promises that just might come true. The most important of these promises is the reduced effort required to develop and deploy complex e-commerce Web sites. Windows Server 2003 (as well as the rest of the .NET OS family) is tuned to provide better Internet and network service support to clients . When used with the .NET editions of Microsoft programming languages and networking services, you can create an online presence that would impress Hugh Hefner.