Well, so far, I like Windows Server 2008 a lot. It is a very fast installation with absolutely no troubles and the new UI (Vista) is great. They've consolidated a lot of things and made them more available to you. It takes a little getting used to but I like it.
One interesting thing to note is that Windows Server 2008 now comes with a "core only" installation, meaning it's a command line only version with no UI. Okay, I get the whole security benefits to that as well as the performance, but seriously- give me a break. During my 10 years in the IT industry, I have NEVER had a server compromised. Not once!!! All it takes is some due diligence, and with the new Windows Update service, it's practically transparent. Oh, and before you start saying how bad automatic updates are- give it up. If a security update breaks an application, fix the broken application and more likely your broken security- don't complain about the patch. That is a rant for a whole different blog so let’s stay on topic. The thing that bothers me about the command line only interface is this- one of the GREAT things about Microsoft is ease of use. Can you say lower total cost of ownership? Higher value adds for your clients? All these old school unix / linux guys and command line geeks that try to build job security by making things unnecessarily complicated are on their way out. I love using Windows because I don't have to memorize a bunch of command lines to modify DNS and setup IIS, etc. Come on people- are you suggesting that using command lines to run an OS is easier than simply keeping the operating system up to date with security patches and using best practice security measures??? If you're that lazy about updates, that incompetent and security, and that insecure in your job, then sure, I guess.
Command line interfaces are for the birds! It's 2008 people, I know you all still have your Commodore 64's with 1541 floppyie hidden away in your closets, but come on- it's time to move on!!!
Initial Reviews: Two Thumbs Up for Windows Server 2008!!!
Tom Hundley
Elegant Software Solutions