Chapter 1. Introduction to the Windows Server 2003 Family

In This Chapter

  • Selecting the appropriate Windows Server 2003 edition.

  • Finding a licensing program that fits your needs.

  • Activating Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft's Newest Operating System

Windows Server 2003 is the latest in Microsoft's line of server operating systems and is based on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 platforms. Version-wise, Windows Server 2003 is roughly equivalent to Windows XP. In fact, both Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP were originally code-named Whistler; Microsoft released the desktop operating system first as Windows XP and spent some additional time refining the server-specific features included only in Windows Server 2003.

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