server 2008 beta3 question

[TheEnemyWithin]

if I download and install the beta 3, until when will it be valid ?

and

is it better than vista?

how about resources, speed, etc compared to vista?

In other words, is it worth the download?

 

[Dustin Harper]

Server 2008 isn't a desktop operating system and shouldn't be used to
replace Vista. Yes, it is more stable. And resources are used less, as it is
running only what needs to run.

But, Server 2008 is made for servers (web, file, domains, etc), and Vista is
the client OS.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

if I download and install the beta 3, until when will it be valid ?

and

is it better than vista?

There are two very different things, and can't be directly compared.
One is a server, the other is a desktop operating system, and neither
substitutes for the other. It's like comparing a bus with a passenger
car and asking which is better. The answer depends on what you want to
do.

Over and above that, beta software is unfinished software. It has bugs
and problems; if it didn't, it would be released software. It makes no
sense to run a beta operating system unless you have a spare
non-essential machine to run it on.

 

[Robbie]

if I download and install the beta 3, until when will it be valid ?

and

is it better than vista?

how about resources, speed, etc compared to vista?

In other words, is it worth the download?

Microsoft's answer about the term of Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 is as
follows:

Quote

10. Term and Termination: These Supplemental Terms terminate upon the
earlier of (i) release of a subsequent version of the Runtime
Components, (ii) termination or expiration of the Pre-Release Terms, or
(iii) April 7, 2008, unless terminated earlier.

End Quote

Note that this is beta 3. There may be release candidates (RC1, RC2,
etc. ) before the RTM (Release To Manufacturing) version and these could
have different termination dates.

Beta 3 is an extremely stable operating system. We don't use Vista
anymore, but we did some extensive testing of this OS in the past.
Server 2008 Beta 3 is considerably more stable and is easier to use
compared with the RTM versions of Vista.

Regarding the issue of a client or workstation versus a server operating
system. There is absolutely no reason not to use Server for Client
applications. Many people do this. In the past, an important reason was
that Windows 2003 was more reliable than Windows XP.

Windows Server 2008 currently has many important advantages over the
Vista flavors. It is still under development and the software engineers
have had an opportunity to learn from the many mistakes and poor human
engineering that plague Vista.

As you will see from a review of the messages in this forum, the users
of Windows Server 2008 (previously Server Longhorn) almost universally
praise the operating system. The TechNet forum is a good source of
additional information about Server.
See:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=161&SiteID=17

 

[Kevin John Panzke]

I Strongly Agree With Robbie That Windows Server 2003 R2 SP2 (Which I Am
Currently Running On My Compaq 933 MHz Pentium 3 Desktop Computer) Is Much
Better Than Windows XP Service Pack 2, And Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 (Which
I Have Running On My Dell Dimension 8400 Desktop Computer, And My Gateway
DX420B Desktop Computer) Is Much Better Than Windows Vista RTM. Your Rights
To Use Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 Will Expire When The Final RTM Product Is
Released or April 7th, 2008 (Which Ever Comes First), Just FYI.

 

[Kevin John Panzke]

P.S. For Those Of You That Don't Believe That I Am Actually Running Windows
Server 2008 Beta 3, View My Header's, Just FYI.

 

[TheEnemyWithin]

There are two very different things, and can't be directly compared.
One is a server, the other is a desktop operating system, and neither
substitutes for the other. It's like comparing a bus with a passenger
car and asking which is better. The answer depends on what you want to
do.

Over and above that, beta software is unfinished software. It has bugs
and problems; if it didn't, it would be released software. It makes no
sense to run a beta operating system unless you have a spare
non-essential machine to run it on.

1) the microsoft site is running now on 2008 beta 3
2) many people use 2003 server as a desktop os... there is nothing to
prevent this and many report better stability.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"running now on 2008 beta 3"
In other words they eat their own dogfood.
That is part of the normal testing process and they are well aware of
the risks.
That does not change the fact users should be carefull using Beta
anythoing from any source and only install on a machine they are
willing to format to resolve issues if necessary.

"many people use 2003 server as a desktop os"
And that is their choice as is spending more $ for the server.
Since servers are more locked down, users can expect to tweak more to
get the desktop working as desired, and perhaps a few hacks may be
needed.
Or stay with the less expensive desktop OS designed for that purpose.
But if they choose to spend far more $ for similar capabilities, that
is of course their choice.

 

[Peter Foldes]

You do not need to spend that much money just to be able to say you are using a server. I am using the W2K3 Server because my business demands it. If not I would be using Vista or XP. There is nothing to gain from using it as a Desktop unless you know what to do with it or you need it. The cost does not justify for a person to say "look I am using a server"

 

[Karen Jane Panze]

Why would anyone want to check out your header info, just to see if you are
using Windows Server 2008 Beta 3? Just FYI. Do you think they give a Rats
ass? Just FYI.

You most likely don't need a server at home, maybe you are just testing it
to keep you busy so you don't hang around the boys bathroom and get yourself
in trouble.... Just FYI.

Go look for meaningful employment, I hear that KFC and Del-Taco are hiring,
and with extensive training, you just might be able to perform some duties
there. Just FYI. Also, remember to take your Meds, and try not to run
into any gay people, because you sure don't like them. Just FYI.

Also since you are a right wing wacko, why don't you go to the abortion
clinic and offer to adopt a baby so some teenage girl doesn't go through
with it. Just FYI.

Karen Jane Panze (Not an MSDN Subscriber, nor a Server Beta Tester, or a
Right Wing Wacko) Just FYI.

Just FYI - For Your Information - That is what this message says in the
first place, Just FYI.

 

[Frank]

Why would anyone want to check out your header info, just to see if you
are using Windows Server 2008 Beta 3? Just FYI. Do you think they give
a Rats ass? Just FYI.

You most likely don't need a server at home, maybe you are just testing
it to keep you busy so you don't hang around the boys bathroom and get
yourself in trouble.... Just FYI.

Go look for meaningful employment, I hear that KFC and Del-Taco are
hiring, and with extensive training, you just might be able to perform
some duties there. Just FYI. Also, remember to take your Meds, and
try not to run into any gay people, because you sure don't like them.
Just FYI.

Also since you are a right wing wacko, why don't you go to the abortion
clinic and offer to adopt a baby so some teenage girl doesn't go through
with it. Just FYI.

Karen Jane Panze (Not an MSDN Subscriber, nor a Server Beta Tester, or a
Right Wing Wacko) Just FYI.

Just FYI - For Your Information - That is what this message says in the
first place, Just FYI.

Hey you...come here...wanna check my header?
frank