Networking For Dummies

The current version of Windows for network servers is Windows Server 2003. Windows Server 2003 builds on Windows 2000 Server, with many new features. Here are just a few of its new features:

• A new and improved version of Active Directory with tighter security, an easier-to-use interface, and better performance.

• A better and easier-to-use system-management interface: the Manage My Server window. On the flip side-for those who prefer brute-force commands-Windows Server 2003 includes a more comprehensive set of command-line management tools than is offered by Windows 2000 Server. Of course, the familiar Microsoft Management Console tools from Windows 2000 Server are still there.

• A built-in Internet firewall to secure your Internet connection.

• A new version of the Microsoft Web server, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0.

Windows Server 2003 comes in several versions-four, to be specific:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition: This is the basic version of Windows 2003. If you're using Windows Server 2003 as a file server or to provide other basic network services, this version is the one you use. Standard Edition can support servers with up to four processors and 4GB of RAM.

• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition: This version of Windows 2003 is optimized for use as a Web server.

• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition: Designed for larger networks, this version can support servers with up to eight processors, 32GB of RAM, server clusters, and advanced features designed for high performance and reliability.

• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition: This is the most powerful version of Windows 2003, with support for servers with 64 processors, 64GB of RAM, and server clusters, as well as advanced fault-tolerance features designed to keep the server running for mission-critical applications.

The pricing for Windows Server 2003 is based on the number of clients that will use each server. Each server must have a server license-and an appropriate number of client licenses. When you buy Windows Server 2003, you get a server license and (depending on the size of your network) a bundle of 5, 10, or 25 client licenses. You can then purchase additional client licenses 5 or 20 at a time. Table 7-1 lists the prices for the various types of Windows Server 2003 and client licenses.