Siege00

Wow... that got a bit heated I'd say. Here's my 2 cents. I was and still am a total advocate for WinXP Pro. It is VERY stable, and suited my purposes just fine until last September when a colleague introduced me to using Server 2K3 as a workstation. As I'm a TA/software engineer, I thought the idea to be wonderful. As a gamer, I thought in horror, "I can't do this." However, since the transition, I have grown to love Server 2K3 as much, if not more than I loved XP (except the MSN Search beta won't install ). Server 2K3 is VERY stable as well, and will typically have a lower footprint than XP will based on the services you start. For work purposes (building software against MS technologies and networks, integrating with MS Platforms, running VMWare virtual machines that aren't restricted) the transition was mandatory, and I have not had problems with games that were produced this year, last year, or even Jane's Fleet Command that was produced a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away. The main advantages that I've come across for Server 2K3 is running fully scalable virtualized servers, running MS Server platform software (ie. Sharepoint and BTS 2k4), being able to expand my workstation (it's a monster) beyond XP's limits, and running software Raid 5 arrays. I haven't noticed any stability differences between XP and Server, some performance differences, but that's my configuration, and with the article on this site, no UI differences. I haven't had any trouble running software, and I run the gambit from graphic and media applications, dev applications, productivity, and games. No problems. Softimage to VS.NET to Photoshop to Premiere to FarCry. As far as which to use, this needs to be based on an individuals requirements and resources (hey, Server ain't cheap). However, for anyone in the App Dev world, I would highly recommend trying it out. It really is nice to work with as a workstation and it comes with VS.NET Ent Arch. I love them both, but probably will stay with Server until we see and experience what MS has planned next for us. BTW... it even runs like a champion on my laptop, but without an MSDN Subscription, several copies of VS.NET Ent Arch., or a licensing from your employer, there'd be no way that I'd make the investment. Again, my 2 cents. Siege