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Installing any of the Windows Server 2003 versions from a network share, requires approximately 100 MB to 200 MB of additional free disk space because the setup program needs space for the TEMP files associated with the installation. This will also require that the currently installed hard drive or disk array be formatted beforehand so the installation process can copy over the needed files. If a formatted partition does not exist, the network installation will not be able to continue.
The amount of disk space required for the swapfile will affect the size of the initial partition, as it is directionally proportional to the amount of physical memory installed in the system. Larger amounts of RAM installed require a larger swapfile, and thus, the minimum hard drive free space requirements must increase.
As far as the different versions of the Windows Server 2003 operating system family are concerned, all allow you to run the system configured as an IIS 6.0 server but there are some subtle differences between the versions beyond just what we detailed previously.
For the most part, Windows Server 2003 Web Server Edition is designed specifically for low-end and entry-level Web hosting environments, providing a specific platform for deploying Web services and applications. The Windows .NET Framework is included with Windows Server 2003 Web Server Edition, as is ASP.NET and the Network Load Balancing feature found on all of the other Windows Server 2003 versions.
There are some intentional limitations to Windows Server 2003 Web Server Edition that go beyond the IIS application itself, but it is important to call them out in the event the deployment of your system needs to incorporate other functions not allowed under that version of the operating system.
Windows Server 2003 Web Server Edition can be set up as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server but only for a limited number of connections per media type: LAN, remote access (dial-up), and direct cable connection are all limited to one connection each. Server Message Block connections are limited to 10 simultaneous connections.
Web Server Edition cannot be installed as part of a server cluster via the operating system. (It may be possible to cluster this type of deployment via a third party configuration; it is simply something that cannot be done via the clustering services in Windows Server 2003.)
The Web Server Edition also cannot be installed as a Terminal Server; however, Remote Desktop for Administration connections can be made to and from the system.
Windows Server 2003 Web Server Edition also does not support remote storage or UDDI services.
Web Server Edition does not have support for printer and fax sharing, and it does not support IR devices. Also, this version does not offer file or print server support for Macintosh systems.
Finally, Web Server Edition cannot be deployed as a RIS server, nor can ISA server be installed on it, and it cannot be established as a domain controller. Web Server Edition cannot be installed as a certification authority, and it cannot be used as an Exchange Server or Microsoft SQL Server, nor can it be set up as a Streaming Media Server.
As far as the other members of the Windows Server 2003 family of operating system are concerned, Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition is designed with the day-to-day needs of the average enterprise in mind and is the suggested replacement for the Windows NT4 Server and Windows 2000 Server server operating systems.
Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition is designed specifically for larger implementations and deployments that surpass the functional levels of Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition. Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition is the suggested replacement for the Windows NT4 Server Enterprise Edition and Windows 2000 Advanced Server line of server operating systems.
Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition is designed for high-end hardware implementations and deployments of business-critical and mission-critical applications to provide the highest levels of scalability and availability as required. Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition is the suggested replacement for the Windows 2000 Datacenter Server line of operating systems.
