Hello everyone... I am looking for opinions on why I should upgrade from Windows 2000 to Windows 2003 Server. My network consists of 8 personal computers. Is there really a need for 2003 Server, is it any better? Thanks for the input. Sarah

Hi, Besides the fact that win2003 is in fact better (it's based on win 2000, but improved), if you are upgrading you should (in my opinion) aim for the newest...

All one has to do is look at the number of Remote Exploits for Windows 2000 and Windows 2003. Look at the fact that the few Remote exploits for Windows 2003 were all stoppable by a simple Firewall which Windows 2003 comes with. Windows 2003 also scales better and is based on a more modern and more secure code base.

Three years on an OS? If you have such a small setup I don't feel that there is a real need. That assumes that you have it setup and protected with firmware and software if it connects to the internet. It also assumes some responsibility with regards the the users.

You could always download the trial and give it a whirl. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/trial/evalkit.mspx Chances are you don't "need" to upgrade. But if you were getting a new server I would definitely say get Win2003. Win2003 is a great os, a nicely streamlined version of Win2000. Sandman An Official Microsoft Minion. ˙

i vote no, with only 8 clients you may not even need a server at all. depends on what your actually "serving" to the clients.

Going with the latest microsoft o/s is never THE best idea, it is always released with bugs and there are less people out there to help you through the problems. However, it has had a while to start being patched, there are a number of people taking up the o/s and there are a lot of similarities with w2k so there will at least be some people to help you. You haven't stated exactly why you are thinking to upgrade in the first place. If it's because you feel you should and the current server you have isn't broke then I vote to stay with what you know. If it's because the current server is broke then by all means go up to 2003, there are some nicely tidied up features in it which I find makes life easier when administering the thing. IIS 6 is better than 5 (although you may not use it). As for upgrading for a built in firewall, that's just crazy!! There are plenty out there, go buy or download.