Microsoft will release Windows 2008 Server as the direct successor to Windows 2003 Server in the spring of next year. The new server OS, code named Longhorn, shares the same kernel with Windows Vista and incorporates many additions compared to its predecessor. When using the completely revamped server-management console, configuration and administration of the new server become much simpler. The new Internet Information Server 7 also sports a new user interface. With virtualization technology integrated directly into the operating system, third-party tools or solutions are no longer necessary when using virtual machines and the like. Lastly, administrators are as up-to-date as it gets, since Windows 2008 Server includes all of the components slated for inclusion in Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista. Tom's Guide took a look at the first release candidate, version RC0. Generally speaking, release candidates are very close to the final product and are distributed to testers primarily ...

The Windows Server 2008 provides a comprehensive technical overview of the innovative features and functions that make Windows Server 2008 the next-generation Microsoft Windows Server operating system and successor to Microsoft Windows Server 2003. This guide also provides information about the benefits Windows Server 2008 offers diverse users, as well as information about different scenarios. This document supports the release of Windows Server 2008 Introduction to Windows Server 2008 Server Virtualization Centralized Application Access Branch Office Security and Policy Enforcement Web and Applications Platform Server Management High Availability Better Together—Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista