Topic: Server Core: Windows Without Windows

[Nemesis]

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One of the most innovative features coming in Windows "Longhorn" Server isn't really a feature as much as a whole new version of Windows. It's called Server Core, and it will only take one-sixth of the disk space of a normal Longhorn installation. It's not expected to need anywhere near as many patches and hotfixes as Windows 2000. It's a version of Windows that does not, in fact, use windows. It's breaking Microsoft's long-standing reliance on graphical interfaces and shaking things up in several of Microsoft's product groups.

Server Core also recognizes -- based on painful experience -- that fewer "moving parts" in an operating system equates to fewer vulnerabilities, stability issues and maintenance points. Reducing the amount of code can help reduce the amount of bugs. That's what Server Core is all about.

Server Core can only act as a file server, domain controller, DNS server or DHCP server. As such, it's far from being a full-fledged Windows operating system (although Microsoft is considering other roles for future versions). Besides these four core roles, Server Core also supports Cluster Server, Network Load Balancing, the Unix subsystem, the new Windows Backup in Longhorn, Multipath I/O, Removable Storage Management, BitLocker drive encryption and SNMP. Server Core also supports Remote Desktop administration, although you'll only get a command-line window when you connect.

I've been saying for a long time that Microsoft needs to separate the various components for security, stability and to allow customers to use what they bought as they want it.  This seems to be a beginning of Microsoft seeing things that way.  A small and apparently limited way but a beginning.

The Operating System from the Operating Enviroment.  The Browser, mediaplayer and messenger from the Operating Enviroment.  Reverse the integration and allow more options for the customer to use their purchase as they wish.

[Commander Maxillius]

The problem with that logic is that Microsoft doesn't see its customers as purchasing its product, rather it sees a contractual agreement set-up similar to renting an apartment where Microsoft is the building owner and you're the tenant.  In that case, providing everything inhouse looks to be preferrred to tenants.  Their logic is that since you wouldn't want to cart 7 loads of laundry down 5 stories and 3 blocks away, your landlord provides washers and dryers, and since you're using a computer with Microsoft Windows, why would you want to go buy separate media playing software when Microsoft can provide it for you effortlessly.

The downside to this setup is that if your roof leaks, you can't just go fix it yourself, the owner must have it repaired.  So if Windows Media Player is causing your machine to hang and you have items in Startup that launch WMP, you can't remove WMP to regain use of your system.


I <really> hope Microsoft fixes their logic soon, for their sake.  Most PC owners see themselves as owners and not renters so having a lender/leaser relationship ranges between inconvenient and infuriating.

[Dracho]

Microsoft has a difficult time grasping the difference between technical innovation and innovative business practices.  They are definitely going to be broken up the next time the Democrats take control of the government.