Differences between Windows Versions on Server 2003?
Domain Controller, Small Business Server, Web Server, Windows domain management, Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Web Server 2003
What
is the difference between Windows Server 2003, Webserver 2003 and Small
business server 2003? Can they all be a domain controller?
Software/Hardware used:
Server 2003, Standard, Web Server, Small Business Server
Software/Hardware used:
Server 2003, Standard, Web Server, Small Business Server
ASKED:
September 27, 2010 6:26 PM
UPDATED:
October 5, 2010 2:22 AM
Answer Wiki:
Check US versus THEM's site on <a href="http://www.sbslinks.com/Us_v_them.htm">Microsoft Small Business Server 2003</a> and Microsoft's Technet for a <a href="http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc758523(WS.10).aspx">Comparison of Windows Server 2003 Editions</a>
SBS server contains Sharepoint, has limitations but is for small business as the name implies. Web Edition is also limited. When you look at the comparisons for 2008 server you will see similar limitations
Web Edition can not be a Domain Controller in Windows 2003. SBS and Standard edition can both be a domain controller
The word "Can" should be replaced with "Must" because they must be the DC and hold the Master AD cataloug. <-I may have termed that wrong.
The point being is that they have to be the only DC on the network. The higher end editions of SBS will alow a 2nd server but it must be added as a 32 bit workgroup server.
My opinion:
I to run Forest run as far and as fast as you can from anything with the SBS tag on it. Microsoft just rips too much stuff out of the system to make it useable in a evolving enviorment like a small but growing business.
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It is worth noting that there are two versions of SBS 2003, Standard and Premium.
Standard offers Exchange 2003 and the Sharepoint that MrDenny mentions. The Premium edition, at high cost, also offers SQL server.
A network based on Windows Server 2003 can have multiple servers that are domain controllers and unlimited member servers.
The SBS version allows only itself as a domain controller, but it does allow you to connect member servers to the network. I seem to recall a limit on the number of member servers, but the number is not coming to mind. (If you are using SBS, it is not likely that you would have more than one or two, and normally SBS is the only server in the network.)
SBS also contains a pre-configured web site meant for use as an intranet site. You can easily, well maybe not so easily , depending on your skill set, customize the site to fit your needs.