Windows 2003 Server Sp1 released

[Paul K]

Sp1
For anyone that's interested

[Stuart]

Another interesting article is at http://bink.nu/Article3727.bink

[Paul K]

Oh and you can order it on CD if you want is as a back up
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...1/cdorder.aspx
Some blurb

"IDC research consistently finds that customers look forward to a first service pack after a product release to bolster the security of the Windows environment," said Al Gillen, research director for system software at IDC. "In the case of Windows Server 2003 SP1, Microsoft has brought forward not just the normal collection of updates, but several tools that promote more-secure network configuration and a streamlined way to administer the latest security releases."
Service Pack 1 Offers Customers New Security Enhancements
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 provides new functionality to address known security vulnerabilities and prepares companies to better face future security threats. These new technologies include the following:
* Security Configuration Wizard. Customers can more easily reduce attack surface area with the new Security Configuration Wizard. The tool reduces the attack surface by gathering information about specific server roles, then automatically blocking all services and ports not needed to perform those roles.
* Windows Firewall. Customers can increase their security with the new Windows(r) Firewall on the server, allowing networkwide control through Group Policy. Also released with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Firewall serves as a host (software) firewall around each client and server computer on a customer's network.
* Post-Setup Security Updates (PSSU). Servers are vulnerable during the time between their installation and application of the latest security updates. In response, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 blocks all inbound connections to the server after installation until Windows Update has delivered the latest security updates to the new computer.

Other Service Pack 1 features that offer customers a more robust security defense include Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 Metabase Auditing, which allows administrators to identify potential malicious users should the store become corrupted, stronger defaults and privilege reduction on services to establish a minimum security threshold for applications, and the addition of Network Access Quarantine Control components to allow administrators to isolate out-of-date virtual private networking (VPN) assets.

"Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 has enabled us to take our network security to the next level, and installation was practically seamless," said Jonathan Addington, network administrator at K2 Corp. "With the latest security updates, we've once again reduced our system vulnerability to viruses, worms and hacker attacks, and added functionality that continues to reduce system management costs."
Increased Reliability, Performance and Extensive Testing
Customers also can expect to see an increase in overall reliability and performance with the enhancements in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. Microsoft internal testing shows customers can expect increased performance and reliability up to 50 percent, depending upon workload, after deploying Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. In addition, Microsoft worked closely with its hardware and software partners to ensure the highest possible level of application and device compatibility for Service Pack 1. Microsoft tested a wide range of server applications including anti-virus, firewall, database, communication, business intelligence, Web development, financial and more. Microsoft also tested many Windows Server-based devices for compatibility with Service Pack 1.
Microsoft Plans Security Enhancements for Small Businesses Server
From small businesses to large enterprises, Microsoft is committed to continually improving its customers' security. Customers will be able to obtain Windows Small Business Server 2003 SP1 within the next 60 days through the Microsoft Web site

and more info Here

[Kevin]

Yeah cos it would be over a third of your monthly bandwith on 1mb hehehehe

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yeah cos it would be over a third of your monthly bandwith on 1mb hehehehe

That would be a problem if I were running Windows 2003 Server If I were in a position to be running that software I would actually upgrade my service accordingly.




Bugger that may happen soon if I take the course I'm looking at.

[Richard M]

Great, there goes my uptime.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Paul

That would be a problem if I were running Windows 2003 Server If I were in a position to be running that software I would actually upgrade my service accordingly.




Bugger that may happen soon if I take the course I'm looking at.

Why would you require upwards of 1mb broadband cos you were running 2003 ???????????

[KingPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Paul

Oh and you can order it on CD if you want is as a back up
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...1/cdorder.aspx
Some blurb

and more info Here

Appears you can only order the disc if you live in US or canada

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by KingPhoenix

Appears you can only order the disc if you live in US or canada

That sux, wonder how long before they update the UK site??

[SOSAGES]

its all ways been that way give them a week or 2

btw dont install on sbs2003 even if it does appear on windows update
sbs2003 sp1 out in 60days (or less)

Well I just built a W2003 server today - and SP1 went on it fine.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Paul M

Well I just built a W2003 server today - and SP1 went on it fine.

Show Off
Good timing though on the server build

[Richard M]

Installing on the server now, 320MB.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Richard M

Installing on the server now, 320MB.

Better watch your bandwidth allowance Hopefully there will be a UK CD soon.

[Richard M]

What bandwidth allowance?