Windows Server 2003 Enterprise ed...

[plutonium]

I recently got a copy of this OS via microsith and want to test it. The thing is that I've got my system running XP Pro, and I can't upgrade...and the amout of partition space I can actually allocate is questionable (20GB HDD - with 4GB free on 2 partitions, one partition with 300MB space left). So it boils down to needs here...

1.) Is it worth it running this as a server on a small LAN?
2.) Can I run new games on this OS with Directx components enabled??
3.) Is it faster than XP??
4.) Barring the hdd space taken up, how memory dependent is this OS?
5.) Does it have issues with 3d sound in games?

All assistance is highly appreciated

[meese]

plutonium,

Windows 2003 server is a SERVER based OS. XP is a workstation based OS. They are two completely different animals. If you want to use 2003 you will need to put it on a new machine and add it to your network as the server. Is this what you want? You can't compare speed between 2003 and XP.

[plutonium]

OK...but if I did want to use it? Obviously, if the machine in question has a decent CPU and >512MB ram the performance will be good then? Or should I stick to dual-booting it then (based on server and workstation requirements).

I loaded it last month. Its OK. Interface is like windows 2000 not XP. Has a lot of wizards to set up a network. I also think its very stable.

But using it on a workstation is like buying a Cadillac and using it for the music system.

[meese]

I don't recommend dual booting. If you have a second drive use it and swap drives.