Replacements for Windows Server The server versions of Windows - Server, Advanced, and Datacenter - are almost identical to each other, only varying because their manufacturer lifted some of the artificial restrictions placed on cheaper versions of the software. Windows XP and the Windows servers are based on the same central core, and would (minus Microsoft's artificial restrictions on the lesser editions) function identically. But Microsoft needs your money, so the price goes up for every restriction eased or lifted on Windows server. Windows Server allows more simultaneous users and a few more CPUs than XP Pro, so the price goes up by more than $500. Same way for Advanced Server - more users and more CPUs, so the price goes up again. Microsoft continues this ridiculous climb all the way to Windows Datacenter Server, which costs thousands of dollars and is only available bundled with hardware that itself costs over $10,000. Windows Server does come bundled with "free" Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), but as with most of Microsoft's free software, you get what you pay for with this one. IIS is solely responsible for two of the most damaging worms in the history of computing, Code Red and its spinoff Nimda. The supposed 'security' of IIS is a legendary joke to knowledgeable Web developers and the best friend of crackers and virus writers everywhere. Beyond the expense and insecurity, Windows servers are selfish bullies on the network playground. Microsoft intentionally added new features to Windows servers that prevent the software from getting along well with other systems on the same network, even some that run older versions of Windows. Network features of Windows server that Microsoft pushes most, particularly ActiveDirectory, require that every computer on the LAN be running Windows 2000 or XP in order to function properly. Running even a single Windows server requires massive investments in other Windows 2000 or XP systems that can work smoothly with the network. ALSO SEE: Win XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional. AIX 5L[IBM] LICENSE: Commercial REVIEW: InfoWorld REVIEW: Sm@rt Partner MORE INFO: Official AIX Site Gentoo LinuxGentoo Technologies LICENSE: Open Source MORE INFO: Official Gentoo Site   Mandrake Linux[MandrakeSoft] LICENSE: Open Source REVIEW: The Duke of URL MORE INFO: Official Mandrake Site ORDER NOW Mac OS X Server[Apple Computer] LICENSE: Commercial REVIEW: CNET REVIEW: ServerWatch REVIEW: ZDNet MORE INFO: Official Mac OS X Server Site ORDER NOW (10 CLIENT) ORDER NOW (UNLIMITED CLIENT) NetBSD[NetBSD Project] LICENSE: Open Source MORE INFO: Official NetBSD Site NetWare[Novell] LICENSE: Commercial REVIEW: CNET REVIEW: ServerWatch REVIEW: Sm@rt Partner REVIEW: ZDNet / PCMag MORE INFO: Official NetWare Site MORE INFO: NetWare Books OS/2 Warp[IBM] LICENSE: Commercial MORE INFO: Official OS/2 Warp Site ORDER NOW Plan 9[Lucent] LICENSE: Freeware MORE INFO: Official Plan 9 Site Red Hat Linux[Red Hat Software] LICENSE: Open Source REVIEW: The Duke of URL MORE INFO: Official Red Hat Linux Site ORDER NOW Solaris Operating Environment[Sun Microsystems] LICENSE: Commercial REVIEW: ServerWatch REVIEW: Sm@rt Partner MORE INFO: Official Solaris Site XOSL GUI Boot Manager[Geurt Vos] LICENSE: Open Source MORE INFO: Official XOSL Site MORE INFO: XOSL Site at SourceForge Yellow Dog Linux[Terra Soft Solutions] LICENSE: Open Source REVIEW: ZDNet / eWeek RATING: CNET Download.com MORE INFO: Official Yellow Dog Linux Site Discuss Windows in the MSBC.Community Forum

FrontPage I'net Explorer Media Player MSN Messenger Office PowerPoint Windows Servers Windows XP Home Windows XP Pro Word   Intel / AMD   Motorola 68K   Apple PPC   Other PowerPC   Other Proprietary   Other  Close Match  Near Match  Distant Match