As you know, many server operating systems are largely to the work of the server, without the use of a "home" OS. This article will discuss setting up Windows Server 2003 for use at home.

Judging from the name "Windows Server 2003", you can easily guess what is the purpose of this product. But why it adjusts for home use? As you know, a series of products for Microsoft Windows NT kernel has a number. For example, Windows 2000 is designed based on Windows NT kernel with the number 5.0, Windows XP - 5.1. Regarding Windows Server 2003, the OS kernel is the latest version - 5.2 (in a series 5.x), therefore, has a more improved performance, security and stability.

But how to configure the server OS for use under normal conditions of ordinary users? Windows Server 2003 is similar to previous versions of Windows. The only thing you will notice when you install and configure - this is the most limited number of services, programs default to "weak" computer. This is done by developers in order, to protect their products from hacking by finding a "dangerous" pieces.

Let's start. After the installation of Windows Server 2003, we see a normal desktop, "Start" menu, etc. Virtually nothing new at first glance. Next, install the correct drivers under our system and DirectX (link below). To begin, look at the list of all services ( "services.msc" at the command line or in the line of command "Run" \ WIN-R).

We see a long list of services, among which are off we needed, such as Windows Audio as well as necessary, we did not include, for example, the Server. In the old times had to "play" in an honest, including vyklyuchaya service on the list, and customize their type of launch. This is a bit boring, agree? So, we will go through the light. We will use a small free utility created for the purpose of configuring Windows Server 2003, entitled "Win Server 2003 Optimize Tool" (links to download below). It is designed for "thin" setting this operating system, the inclusion of services, options, etc.

So, our launch (our almost ours, it is a free =)) utility. The interface is convenient, however, in English. But nothing is a challenge. The first General tab 2, we see a group of parameters - Logon and Shell, in the translation of Authorization and apron, respectively. Consider every option in both groups:



Logon:
1) Disable Shutdown Event Tracker. Disabling clarify the reasons for withdrawal from the system, at the conclusion of the work.
2) Enable Shutdown without logon. Shutting down the computer when you exit a user's environment ( "Exit" from the system).
3) Change Logon Wallpaper. If you enable this option, you can select the background headband at the time of entry and exit from the system, in BMP format.
4) Don't need CTRL + ALT + DEL on logon. Disabling request press CTRL + ALT + DEL at the entrance to the system.
5) Configure Skins for Logon Dialog. If you enable this option, you can choose the style of displaying the login dialogue.
6) Allow Blank Password for Network. Permission to use blank passwords on the network (ie without passwords altogether).

Shell:
1) Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop. Hides the "cart" display on the desktop.
2) Disable Low Disk Space Warning. Leaves message to a lack of free space on the disk.
3) Fully Disable Autoplay. Completely disables auto-related programme with a change of carrier. For example, the need to manually run "autorun.exe" or to some semblance of disk with games, for the installation process.
4) Disable Activation Reminder. Leaves reminder of the activation of Windows.
5) Remove Testing Notice from Desktop. Leaves note, "dough" from the desktop.
6) Disable Error Reporting. Leaves dialogue send technical data to software developers on errors.

The first tab clear. After setting the need to click Apply. Now for the other tabs, one by one.

Multimedia. Here we see, unlike the previous tabs, buttons. By pressing a few, opened embedded in Windows tools settings. And before that "our" utility informs us that the need to do more. Feel Hit OK and the next, nothing complicated.

Display:
1) Acceleration. Configuration acceleration video card. In the new window, adjusting the monitor, "push" Additionally, in turn tab "Diagnostics", moved slider "Hardware Acceleration" maximum right. Next Hit OK, OK again.
2) DirectX. Configuration accelerating Direct3D and DirectDraw. In the new window, "Diagnostic Tool DirectX" turn into "Display" tab. Rather labels "Accelerating DirectDraw", "Accelerating Direct3D" and "Accelerating textures AGP" push the button "Add", thereby, including the opportunity to correct. It should be noted that various opportunities can not be replaced by any other possibility, depending on your video card and DirectX version.
3) Enable Themes. Includes the use of a variety of additional topics design and sound. Turn the topic. Disable them using the same button will fail.
4) Select Skin. Allows select a theme. Opens the selection of topics. Item for lazy users.

Sound:
1) Install Drivers. Opens controller devices, which can easily choose not installed a driver for the device and install it. In particular, for a sound card.
2) Enable Audio. Includes Windows Audio Service, which enables the system to work.
3) Maximize Quality. Configuration acceleration sound card. In the window that appears, in the "Setting the loudspeakers," Hit "More". We turn to the tab "The quality of entries", moved sliders all right. OK. OK.
4) Volume Control. Configuring the sound volume. Also for lazy users.

General:
1) System Restore. Set the recovery service, available in Windows XP. When asked to insert the activation of Windows XP installation CD.
2) Enable PTP. The inclusion of support for digital cameras and camera connected to a computer.
3) Enable CD-REC. Enabling the CD burner built means.
4) Memory / CPU. Configuring the distribution of CPU and memory to work effectively with the applications. By default distributed to the effective work with background applications that need servers.
5) IE EnhancedSec. Removes enhanced safety when working in Internet Explorer.

Crack:
1) UxTheme. Changes library system responsible for the topic, so to be able to maintain some of the topics party. Under your responsibility.
2) Enable fancy Welcome Screen. Includes message of welcome at the entrance of the system.
3) Enable Fast User Switching. Includes fast user switching.

Games. Set the standard Windows XP games. After choosing the right games, will begin the installation. Disk Windows XP should be present in the drive. The description is not required.

Web Edition. Only for Windows Server 2003: Web Edition. Disable All Server Services disables all server service.

Apps. Transition site developers drivers, DirectX, browsers, Java virtual machine. The detailed description, I think, is not required.

Well, we discussed the options and possibilities and tabs. Also describe the additional features in the Tools menu, which in the main menu:

1) Automatic Logon. Setting up automatic login to the system without having to enter a user name and password.
2) Windows Updates. Configuring your automatic update of Windows.
3) Synchronizing clock. Setting hours. Also in the Internet Time tab, "" you can set auto-update hours from the Internet.
4) Enable Hibernate. Includes "Hibernate".
5) Disable Hibernate. Disables "Hibernate".
6) IExpress (CAB-SFX). Opens archiving utility in the self-extracting archive CAB.
7), System Information. Displays information about the system. Submenu System Info provides general information about the system. Submenu System Conflicts provides information on possible conflicts in the equipment. Submenu System Changes displays syslog, record changes.
8) Task Information. Submenu Running Tasks displays a list of all running processes. Submenu Loaded Modules shows a list of all modules loaded.
9) System Config. Opens Window System. For experienced users.
10) Default Service List. Opens a list of all services included by default.

So, after setting the system to move to the case ... further under a "setup". For example, to set the theme design, customize the display of folders and files in explorer, remove unnecessary items to the "Start" menu, etc. But then to the case ... Installation programs.

Congratulations, you have a full home OS! =) Generally, when properly configured, you feel better performance Windows Server 2003, in contrast to Windows XP and Windows 2000.