Microsoft released several versions of its Windows-based server operating system. Each new release builds and adds to the prior version. Windows Server 2003 operating system, still in wide use, included the following 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, called 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 major change in the application-programming interface for Windows programs, known as the .NET Framework.
Support for ever-larger clusters of computers. A cluster is a set of computers that work together as if they were a single server. Windows 2000 Server Datacenter Edition and previous versions supported clusters of four servers; Windows Server 2003 Enterprise and Datacenter Editions support clusters of eight servers. (Obviously, this is a benefit only for very large networks.)
An enhanced distributed file system that lets you combine drives on several servers to create one shared volume.
Support for storage area networks.
A built-in Internet firewall to secure your Internet connection.
A new version of Microsoft’s 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 is the version you’ll use. Standard Edition can support servers with up to four processors and 4GB of RAM.
Windows Server 2003, Web Edition: A version of Windows 2003 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: 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.
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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/network-basics-windows-2003-server-operating-syste.html
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