Win Server 2003 as a development environment – level 200
When I installed Server 2003 on my development laptop, I had to jerry-rig some XP drivers in order to use all my devices, but I’ve been using this OS for all my development for almost a year now, and it has worked out very well. It has been just as stable at XP and very nimble, too. I use a Dell Lattitude D600 with P-M1.8Ghz and 1GB RAM. The only complaint I have is MS’s lack of user support for Server 2003. For instance, I can’t use Windows Movie Maker on this OS, but those are little issues.
As a development workstation, I’ve been very satisfied. With XP, you are limited to one top-level website. With server 2003, it can be many. This is great if you do ASP.NET. Also, it supports multiple remote desktop sessions. I’ve had a very good experience with it.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Jeffrey. The increase in productivity I’ve had over the years by working exclusively with Windows Server OS’s is substantial. Yeah, we lose a few XP fun features, but if the computer is for work instead of play, then you can’t beat Windows 2003 Server.
I’ve just now switched back to XP. Though, day to day 2003 and XP "feel" the same, I like the end user friendliness that is missing from 2003.
I have not really found too many issues between the two OS’s to really cause me troubles.
That and XP came with my new Dell… 😛
If someone can tell me how to enable dual monitor support on Win Server 2003 I would be even happier with it. My biggest win came when I found the Policy "Disable CD burning features". Shut off that policy and now CD burning works just like XP.
I don’t think I had to "enable" dual monitor support. When I got the correct video drivers installed (the XP drivers – but they worked), I was easily able to use 3 monitors.