Windows 2003 x86 questions, SP2, settings

[Mats]

Can someone help me please:

1 - SP2 was released last month (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=95ac1610-c232-4644-b828-c55eec605d55&displaylang=en), and I wonder what people have to say about it. Do you like it? Should I install or not?

2 - Is there some easy way to get desktop (non-server) settings after a fresh 2003 x86 install? I know how to change most of the settings and services, but it would be so much easier if I just could run some scripts or whatever to make it work like XP 64-bit (which, AFAIK, is pretty much like a "2003 x64 Proffesional"). I've seen that site (http://win2k3.msfn.org/) about changing the settings.

Thanks!:toast:

[grudgelord]

Assuming you are already at R2 (or patched equivalent of R1) then I see no significant need to pursue SP2 for a "workstationed" version of 2k3. 2003 R2 more or less equates to XP SP2.

Service pack 2 serves partly as a stopgap measure to accommodate Vista clients, pending the release of Longhorn Server.

Most of the updates in SP2 are designed to address server oriented functions (i.e. Firewall and security, Cluster management, distribution services, new XML parsing, yada yada, etc). The typical truckload of hotfixes may or may not be of value and if there isn't something you specifically need then I wouldn't pursue it considering your use of the OS.

I know of no script to "trim down" 2k3. I've always done it manually as it doesn't take more than 10-15 minutes to cut it down. If you really want to tear it down to a workstation OS then consider doing your own installation script as they aren't all that difficult.

This isn't to say there is no benefit to SP2 but, as a matter of opinion, unless you are running the OS in a true server role where you need solid network services and network security, I wouldn't bother with it... especially if you don't want to hassle with reconfiguration.