Windows Server 2003 SP2 Beta 1 is out!

[Osiris]

Microsoft shipped Wednesday the first beta version of its server operating system. The release was made available through Connect as usual, to testers who applied to the Technical beta program.

As opposite to Microsoft's prior habits, the program was in the Available Programs section, instead of being invite-only. The program is still available as of now, so those who didn't know about it can still apply to be part of the test.

Microsoft describes the Service Pack the following way:
"Service Pack 2 is a conventional service pack consisting of all security updates, all individual hotfixes released to customers and fixes to reduce top customer support issues as well as increase reliability, robustness, and security. Service Pack 2 is the first Service Pack for Windows XP x64 Professional SKU,"


https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=98

 

[office politics]

no way in **** im jumping head first on this

 

[Law]

Is this a service pack 2 for windows 2003 or is this a whole OS with sp2?

 

[WorldIndustries]

So... Does this mean better driver support for XP 64 Pro?

 

[Osiris]

just a sp

 

[KSoD]

There is a full download on the connect site for Server 2003 Enterprise, Standard and Web editions all with SP2. There is also XP Pro X64 with SP2 on there as well.

It isnt for drivers it is just teh new SP2 Beta for these OS's. I have already downloaded and burnt them to CD. Will install SErver 2003 SP2 Enterprise tomorrow.

 

[wasisnt]

Scary yet exciting

 

[Osiris]

Microsoft revealed more details today about Windows Server 2003's next Service Pack, currently under an ongoing beta-test.

"I know SP1 to Windows Server 2003 made some pretty big changes to the way we do security and it introduced a cycle of application testing and some compatibility issues?.this was, however, a necessary evil needed to address server security," said program manager Ward Ralston using the team blog.

Essentially, Service Pack 2 is, as planned, a pack of fixes since the last release (R2), but also includes some changes that would likely ease transition between it and Windows Vista, or its Server counterpart, still codenamed "Longhorn". The change log also includes updates to Remote Installation Services, now known as Windows Deployment Services, Microsoft Management Console 3.0, and an improved firewall.

For the first time in ages, the msconfig tool will be updated. "An additional tab which provides a single launching point for common support tools that will ease the discoverability of common diagnostic functionality.", Ralston says.

On another note, Service Pack 2 will update all version of the OS, along with Windows XP x64 Edition.

http://www.betanews.com/