How Is Windows Home Server Different from Windows Server 2003?

In the previous section, I mentioned that the Windows Home Server team used the Sam persona to represent the enthusiast portion of the OS’s target market. Sam’s most fundamental characteristic is that she understands that underlying Windows Home Server is the sheer power and richness of Windows Server 2003. Does this mean that Windows Home Server is just Windows Server 2003 with an extra layer or two of code sitting on top? In some senses, that’s true:

• If an application runs without a hitch on Windows Server 2003, it will almost certainly run on Windows Home Server.

  Caution

  Note that older disk utilities might not understand Windows Home Server’s new storage technology. Such programs either won’t run on Windows Home Server or, worse, might break Windows Home Server. Look for new versions of disk utilities that are Windows Home Server–friendly. Microsoft has a Windows Home Server logo program, so only use utilities that sport the Windows Home Server logo.

  
  

• If a device driver installs and works properly on Windows Server 2003, it will also work on Windows Home Server.

• If a Registry change or group policy setting works on Windows Server 2003, it should also work on Windows Home Server.