Win 2k3 as a desktop environment 4

[jgilbert]

I am interested to know any advantages/disadvantages to running Win2k3 for a desktop environment.

I am currently running XP Pro SP2. I use my machine for a little bit of everything - graphic and web design in Adobe CS2 and Macromedia Studio; some minor programming and software testing; movies and music; and a fair amount of work in Excel, OneNote, Access, and Word.

I've been happy with XP Pro, but I have a new version of Win2k3 I bought from the university and have yet to install. I had intended to convert one of my workstations into a web server, but decided against it.

On the machine in question, I do almost no server-related tasks. Some minor file/print sharing over a wireless, and I'll occasionally turn on IIS to have FTP access while I'm away from home.

I have heard that Win2k3 is much more stable and better at resource handling, but of couse I would assume it's running a lot of extra services being a server OS. Pound for pound, which makes a better desktop environment as far as power goes. I am comfortable with making tweaks and customizations if that's what it takes.

 

[markdmac]

Wait until Vista or switch to x64 Windows XP if you are looking for enhanced stability and performance.

2003 Server is just that, SERVER. It is not intended to be used as a workstation.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[jgilbert]

Definitely, thanks.

As an aside, I was running 64-bit Pro back when Microsoft was giving a 360-day evaluation. At the time, however, there were no drivers for most of my hardware, so I didn't really get an accurate look at it. My laptop (the machine on which I was looking to put 2k3), however, is not a 64-bit system, so I won't be seeing any hope there.

From what I have read and seen, Windows Vista seems to be a giant let down. It looks as if they have delayed the release of WinFS, and it won't even be shipping with the first releases of Vista. Also, the system requirements to run the high-end UI are horrendous. To think that an OS is requiring that kind of hardware is more than a little scary. You need a top of the line computer JUST to run the OS, this is exactly what an OS SHOULDN'T be. Anyhow, it looks a like a lot of silly added-on features coupled with a few real bonuses. It also seems that they sort of did the Apple thing and tried to make everything look "pretty". I couldn't care less what my OS looks like. I just don't want to dedicate 512mb RAM to see a sliding window.

Joe

 

[gcdhnjgfhfgsxh]

Hi

check this out, it may be helpful

http://www.msfn.org/win2k3/

You may also wish to disable some of the unused services to increase performance. I have been using 2003 server on my laptop since it was relased and works fine as a workstation.

Regards

Dave

http://dgarner.info

http://returntothemoon.info

 

[jshurst]

A few things.

1) You mentioned running it on a laptop. You're probably not going to like this (I tried it for about 3 days). The problem is that you have to give a description of why you are shutting the computer down every time. Also startup takes longer because it is preparing network connections.

2) Some applications will not run on 2k3. An example is most Antivirus software. I have tried to run Norton Internet Securities and PCcillin without success. It makes sense that it wouldn't work because they aren't made for this, I just didn't think about it until after the install.

Other than that 2k3 is freakin' sweet. Very stable and has all the bells and whistles, but like someone mentioned it is meant to be a server environment. I would put it on a desktop if you have an available one.

Hope it helps.

 

[wasisnt]

My boss uses 2003 Web Edition for his desktop and it seems to work out just fine for im. He is running a P4 3.0 Ghz and a gig of RAM though.

http://www.onlinecomputertips.com

 

[jgilbert]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I think I might leave it off my laptop and put it on the desktop, since I use it as a server fairly often.

jshurst - check out the link that affy1977 mentioned. you can disble the shutdown problem within windows server 2k3, that way it won't ask you for a description each time you shutdown. also, you can disable many of those services from starting-up.

thanks again to everyone,

Joe