Windows Server 2003 SP1 to Feature New Security Tool

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Windows Server 2003 SP1 to Feature New Security Tool

In a briefing this week with Microsoft, I (Paul Thurrott) was told that the first service pack for Windows Server 2003--due in December--will include a roles-based Security Configuration Wizard that will provide administrators with a definitive list of the services required for each Windows 2003-based server. The wizard will be based on an XML database that includes information about Windows 2003, Exchange, SQL Server, and other Microsoft products. When you configure the server to perform certain roles, the wizard can shut off any unnecessary services, taking the guess work out of what used to be a very complicated process. Additionally, the company tells me the tool can be used to shut down any ports not required by the assigned server roles, further increasing the integrity of the system.

News source: Windows & .NET Magazine

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#1 antny_uk on 25 Jun 2003 - 12:33

Sounds good to me... anyone know the date for SP1 release?

I'm currently configuring 2003 at work to take over on a new network... this sounds like a pretty useful tool!

#2 Jason on 25 Jun 2003 - 13:15

Read about this in August's PC Pro magazine it looks like a very good tool.

(2 replies) #3 pctuk on 25 Jun 2003 - 16:48

They have done an excellent job with this release. Although it is still a lot (under-estimate?) more expensive than Linux, I think many companies will be tempted because it will take a lot of work from admins - with Windows everything really is so easier. The costs are still very high though.

#3.1 Jason on 26 Jun 2003 - 08:18

The initial cost is more, but the TCO has to be less than Linux.

#3.2 syndicate on 27 Jun 2003 - 03:56

Nice blanket statement. TCO for Operating Systems depend on many things. You can't just say the TCO is higher for Linux.

#4 thurrott on 25 Jun 2003 - 23:03

The current plan is December 2003. --Paul

#5 kirk26 on 26 Jun 2003 - 02:15

So this will be a 10mb service pack? There's only been one update on windows update for me. LOL.

#6 antareus on 26 Jun 2003 - 19:35

I bet there will be a workstation role. If you try to click it will say "don't use a server OS in a workstation role you dolt!"

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