Windows 2003 first impressions
The version I chose was Windows 2003 Web Edition. It appears to be pretty much just like Windows 2000 Server except it starts out with the Windows XP style start menu.
One new thing is the IE enhanced security configuration that comes enabled by default. That's a good idea, as a web server should have extra security where it counts. If you haven't used Windows 2003, the enhanced security prevents you from browsing any websites unless they're added into the trusted sites in IE options.
The network load balancing manager is also a good idea. It uses windows clustering which allows for more scaleability. I'm going to copy the text from the help section as it explains it best:
*Load balances requests for invidiual TCP/IP services across the cluster.
*Supports up to 32 computers in a single cluster.
*Load balances multiple server requests, from either the same client, or from several clients, across multiple hosts in the cluster.
*Fully pipe-lined implementation ensures high performance and low overhead.
Sounds good and I'll try experimenting with that a little.
There is also the Distributed File System (DFS) which lets you organize multiple shared folders, targets, etc. into a namespace of roots and links.
There are some new features in IIS 6, but at this point in time I don't see any real upgrades worth talking about.
Other then that, Windows 2003 is pretty much the same as Windows 2000 Server. I won't say whether it is worth buying or not as of yet, but as I gather more information I'll post back here.
If anybody has anything to addon to what I said, or their own review to do, please share it here. Or if I made a mistake anywhere, feel free to correct me.
