Can a decked out computer function using Win 2003 Server?

[FireChoice]

I've heard that a lot of devices don't have drivers that are compatable with this OS. Will a Sapphire Raedon 9800 PRO video card as well as an audigy 2 ZS sound card work with this OS?

What about games?

[DaBigJ]

windows xp drivers work fine for 2k3.

I haven't run into a game yet that wouldn't work on server 2003

[FireChoice]

Wow, thanks for the info. I had talked to another guy and he had bad things to say about 2003's driver compatability.

[Antillian]

2003 is pretty good about compatibility actually...
I have a Sapphire Radeon 9800 SE that works fine with 2003, just make sure you increase the hardware acceleration, it turns it all the way down by default, and you have to enable sound as well.

[Re-Volt]

I have to admit, It was a pain in the arse to get drivers working, and win2k3 Server setup as a Workstation/Gaming OS. Now that I have everything working perfectly, I have fallen in love with win2k3. Sure some programs don't run in a server environment, ie some virus scan and firewall software, partition magic, but for gaming I have yet to find anything that doesnt run. It is a amazingly stable OS and have gone twice in a row 30+ days without reboot, and only because I had to ie-power outages, etc. Without a doubt, I recommend you trying this OS.

[Antillian]

Originally posted by Re-Volt
I have to admit, It was a pain in the arse to get drivers working, and win2k3 Server setup as a Workstation/Gaming OS. Now that I have everything working perfectly, I have fallen in love with win2k3. Sure some programs don't run in a server environment, ie some virus scan and firewall software, partition magic, but for gaming I have yet to find anything that doesnt run. It is a amazingly stable OS and have gone twice in a row 30+ days without reboot, and only because I had to ie-power outages, etc. Without a doubt, I recommend you trying this OS.

Yeah, I remember trying to install Norton Anti-Virus on it and it jumped down my throat about it being a Server OS. But, like you said once you get it setup and tweaked out, its an awesome OS to use. I'm considering pulling out my disc and reinstalling it. :D

[Antillian]

Oh yeah, also, I dunno if you'll want this feature or not (I know I didn't), but built into IE on 2003 is a new Security feature, I can't remember exactly what it does, I think it had something to do with blocking cookies or ActiveX controls, but it can be real pain when just browsing. You get rid of it by doing the following:

1) Open "Add/Remove Programs".
2) Click "Add/Remove Windows Components."
3) Remove "Internet Explorer Enhanced Security". (I believe its called this or something similar, it'll be obvious which one it is.)

And you're done! Though, I'm sure you were gonna use Firefox anyway, right? ;)

[Re-Volt]

Originally posted by i_am_tux
Oh yeah, also, I dunno if you'll want this feature or not (I know I didn't), but built into IE on 2003 is a new Security feature, I can't remember exactly what it does, I think it had something to do with blocking cookies or ActiveX controls, but it can be real pain when just browsing. You get rid of it by doing the following:

1) Open "Add/Remove Programs".
2) Click "Add/Remove Windows Components."
3) Remove "Internet Explorer Enhanced Security". (I believe its called this or something similar, it'll be obvious which one it is.)

And you're done! Though, I'm sure you were gonna use Firefox anyway, right? ;)


I just use FireFox .. :)

[FireChoice]

Yeah I already knew that setting up Win2k3 made you do a lot of tweaking as far as the default settings go. Too bad it is so expensive for most. I am getting a discount from a friend. ;)