Resolution

I guess the same people who think Server 2003, or any server for that matter, is meant for local workstation usage and a game box...

Millsy

Show me one part that makes win2k3 ONLY good at being a server.

Or

Show me one part that makes win2k3 a POOR performer at running games

Or

Show me one part that makes win2k3 a POOR workstation


I've been running windows 2003 since December 2002, when it was .net RC1.
While I haven't ever had XP on my own systems, I have used it enough to know that I like windows 2003 for the following reasons.

1) It comes with IIS6, so I can do all my ASP.net development and testing without requiring a 2nd machine.

2) I have to enable what *I* want, not what XP thinks I want.

3) Better memory management and multi-tasking.

4) Runs all my games


The ONLY downside to running Windows 2003, is cost. However, because I'm a developer, I have an MSDN subscription from work with 10 licenses for 2003 . On top of that, the college I went to (Red Deer College) was a Microsoft partner (or something like that) and everyone there was able to purchase a single license for $0 that never expired, and who's only limitation was no use in a production environment.

cjessee

I imagine that the limitation was that the product was only to be used for educational purposes, once you are done with the specific class that you had used the software for, you were to uninstall it.

Millsy

Nope. The license specifically addressed that issue. It basically boils down to "you can't use this to make any money" I'd have to go find the agreement again to get anymore specific.

I've reinstalled with that license about 5 times now (since about june 2003 I thinK). After the 2nd time, I had to start calling microsoft to authenticate. And they have kept giving me the OK to continue using it.

Millsy

Found it!

http://www.microsoft.com/Education/CAStudentOption.mspx

thigley986

Unfortunately, by playing games and the likes you are violating the licensing for MSDN (if that's where you are getting Server 2003).

Quote from Microsoft:
By "production" we mean any activity that is personal, for general business use, or not directly related to the testing and development of software applications.
Examples of (prohibited) production use include:

Installing Windows 98 to play games for entertainment.
Installing Windows 2000 Server and Exchange Server to set up an e-mail system that you use to send personal and/or business-related e-mail.

cjessee

Alright... which paragraph do you fall under?

Millsy

Where exactly did you find that quote? It was not in any agreement that I agreed to. And the copy I use on my computer is not the MSDN copies I use when installing on test servers.

Umm the one I quoted, Graduated student.

thigley986

The document I refer to is only applicable to MSDN installations and can be found at http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscripti...q/default.aspx . That is the official word from Microsoft on what is considered "production" and what is considered "testing". I've been through several courses on Microsoft licensing and it can be a tricky subject sometimes.

Millsy

wow. so in theory, when I install winamp (entertainment) on a computer to listen to music while I'm working on it. It's a violation of the MSDN license.

Now since I only have one computer I guess they expect me to keep doing what? (if I used the MSDN license anyway)

I need to leave my server running most of the time to see if my programs will be able to run for extended periods of time without crashing. But I still play games all the time. It’s not like a computer can’t do both at the same time.

Now they also say that anyone who uses an MSDN copy of an OS/program installed on a computer must have the license to use it. As the licenses are given on a per user basis, instead of per CPU/computer.

Would it then be acceptable to suggest that since I have an Unused license of Windows XP retail I could infer that I would ALSO be using that license when using an MSDN licensed copy of Win2k3...


ok, that was just very silly. But I'm going to go see if I can find the full user agreement for my student copy just to make sure it doesn't say something equally stupid.

thigley986

Microsoft is a multi-billion dollar company that isn't going to hunt you down and get you if you're actually trying to abide by your EULA. End of story.

Millsy

Ya, but it's sort of frustrating when you are trying to abide by the rules and keep everything on the level, only to find out you might as well be running a warzed copy of something.