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General discussion

Can I use Windows Server 2003 as an O/S?

by tronracer Oct 3, 2006 1:01PM PDT

I am in the market for a new PC. I will spend under $500 and I think I want a duo core processor or at least something that I can also use when eventually upgrading to vista.

I think I won't have to purchase an O/S since I have a promotional copy of windows server 2003 enterprise edition with 25 user CALs. I don't need the CALs...

Question is: Will server 2003 look similar to xp pro using it as an O/S? Will I need to modify anything in the registry to use it as a single pc o/s?

Any advice in setting up a new pc this way?

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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Well...

by willisterman Oct 3, 2006 5:37PM PDT

Windows 2003 Server comes with a lot more installed than a usual Windows XP, but the core is basically the same. You'll find that certain programs will refuse to run, like diskeeper, and a few others (I had problems with virtual cd drives, like daemon tools)

Also, Windows 2003 is automatically set to give higher priority to services and background programs, add that to the extra installed and running items, and you will find it not to be as nippy as XP, but with a high end PC, I doubt you will notice it as much.

If its not going to be a gaming PC, and just as standard PC, it sohuld be fine, but bear in mind, if you want to be able to log in without a password, or use a password that doesnt include lowercase, capitals, and numbers all in the same word, you will have to spend a lot of time tweaking setting, which if your not used to how 2003 works can be frustrating.

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All my promo OS's had limitations.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 3, 2006 9:42PM PDT

Some were 100 day versions, others were not upgradeable.

But the non-upgradeable versions saw good service for years. In either case, yes. You can use it.

-> BIG DOWNSIDE. The antivirus and firewalls cost so much that XP may actually be cheaper.

Bob

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