 Windows Networking StrategiesThis newsletter is sponsored by Microsoft Don't Waste IT Staff Network World's Windows Networking Strategies Newsletter, 05/09/07Getting going kicking those Longhorn tiresBy Dave KearnsNow that you’ve had a chance to give Vista a thorough workout in your testing lab (you have, haven’t you?) it’s time to let it play with the next version of Windows Server. And, right on cue, Microsoft is making available for download the Beta 3 version of Longhorn, the next version of Windows Server. Head over to Microsoft Technet just as soon as you can. If you aren’t already registered, you’ll need to fill out a form or two – but it’s not onerous. Then you can immediately download the version of Longhorn that would appear to be best for your circumstances, or at least the version you most want to “kick the tires” on. There are five versions available:
* Windows Server Longhorn Standard Edition This edition of Windows Server Longhorn provides key server functionality across most server roles and features. It includes both full and Server Core installation options. * Windows Server Longhorn Enterprise Edition This edition builds on Windows Server Longhorn Standard Edition to provide greater scalability and availability, and adds enterprise technologies such as Failover Clustering and Active Directory Federation Services. * Windows Server Longhorn Datacenter Edition This edition offers the same functionality as Windows Server Longhorn Enterprise Edition with support for additional memory and processors, and unlimited virtual image use rights. * Windows Web Server Longhorn This edition is designed specifically for use as a Web and applications server. Other server roles and the Server Core installation option are not available in this edition. * Windows Server Longhorn for Itanium-based Systems This edition is designed for use with Intel Itanium 64-bit processors to provide web and applications server functionality on that platform. Other server roles and features may not be available. Be sure to check the system requirements for the version you want to install (they’re on the download page). If you are unsure of which version you want to try, visit the Longhorn Web site where you’ll find details of each one. The “server core” installation, for example, includes: * Active Directory Domain Services Why would you want to run this limited, almost stripped down, version? According to Microsoft the reasons include: * Reduced maintenance. Because a Server Core installation installs only what is required to have a manageable DHCP, File, Print, DNS, Media Services, AD LDS, or Active Directory server, less maintenance is required. * Reduced attack surface. Because Server Core installations are minimal, fewer services and applications run on the server, thereby decreasing the attack surface. * Reduced management. Because fewer applications and services are installed on a server running the Server Core installation, there is less to manage. * Reduced disk space required. A Server Core installation only requires about 1GB of disk space to install and approximately 2GB for operations after the installation. Just as an off-the-cuff suggestion, running multiple server core installations as virtual servers on a single hardware platform could allow you to ensure that every application had its own server image, no competition for server resources. But that’s just one suggestion. You’ll know best which version (or versions) of Longhorn will fill your needs. Still, you could try them all out, in different configurations, to make that final determination. But you’ll need to get started, so start downloading now!
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| Contact the author: Dave Kearns is a writer and consultant in Silicon Valley. He's written a number of books including the (sadly) now out of print "Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Networks." His musings can be found at Virtual Quill. Kearns is the author of two Network World Newsletters: Windows Networking Strategies, and Identity Management. Comments about these newsletters should be sent to him at these respective addresses: windows@vquill.com, identity@vquill.com . Kearns provides content services to network vendors: books, manuals, white papers, lectures and seminars, marketing, technical marketing and support documents. Virtual Quill provides "words to sell by..." Find out more by e-mail. This newsletter is sponsored by Microsoft Don't Waste IT Staff ARCHIVEArchive of the Windows Networking Strategies Newsletter. BONUS FEATUREIT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICESTo subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007 |
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