Win2k Pro or Win2k Server

[avzay66]

Whats the difference between the two?
is it worth installing server instead of professional version?

 

[Joemonkey]

if you are using your computer for home stuff, like gaming, burning CDs, internet stuff, go with pro. server uses up a LOT more resources by running a lot more stuff in the background. only use server (or adv. server) if you are actually going to use it as a DHCP or DNS server on a home network, and even then, it's kinda overkill. i had it as my main OS for a while (back when i had 128 megs of ram) cuz i'm going for my MCSE and it made a good learning tool, and it was crazy slow. i have quite a bit more ram now, but i'd rather be using it for applications i'm using than background stuff i'll never use.

 

[CocaCola5]

I say yes provided you have the system. If this is a workstation/server in one box than Server is the best. Advanced Server which is MS do it all server, pretty much demand a box dedicated for itself. Than of course theres Enterprise and Data Center. Enterprise is pretty much Advanced Server with some extra company wide communication tools which is only useful for companies and with 16 cpu instead 8 of AS. Data Center is pretty much Advanced Server too except it has some extra fail safe features such as UPS management and 32 maximum cpu/box. If you want a all in one box than can do almost everything, you should use Server.

 

[CocaCola5]

Btw, forgot to mention the difference between Server and Advanced Server which is 8 cpu to Server's 4 and Load Balance/Cluster and supposedly more stable. Also AS can be the master of the domain(Primary Domain Controller) and Server can't so if you want Domain type network for whatever reason, maybe a WAN gaming network or something, you'll need AS at the minimum.

 

[StuckMojo]

i needed to switch to server to run SQL2000 for something im developing, and it does use more resources (or so i thought)...until i got a laptop and did a thin install (i.e. i didnt install ANYTHING service wise that i didn't need), and the damn thing uses less ram than my old pro installation used to! like 75M or so.

anyway, now, given the choice, i would go for server just because it comes with one lisence for Terminal Server (administration mode). you can run IIS and get this activeX terminal server web client for free form MS, and you can log into your computer from any box that has IE4! it totally rocks, way better than pc anywhere. over a fast connect, it feels like your sitting right there...and its even useable over dialup.

 

[Emperor Jashugan]

Win2k Server can be primary domain controller.

 

[CocaCola5]

You're right. Then Server and AS only differ in Load Balance and Cluster service and 4 to 8 cpu which is trivial.