I know that this usually doesn't make much sence, but MS newest server (2003) works GREAT for a gaming OS as well as a server/working OS. I just upgraded from XP here at home and am very impressed. I thought I'd share my experience.
Installation including an NTFS format took about the same time as XP, maybe just a couple of minutes longer.
After you first get it installed, a server configuration tool comes up and to my suprise, all "server" type services are disabled by default. In fact, just about everything is pretty "locked down". This I really like to see. I like enabling services/features I want instead of shutting down a thousand extra needless "goodies" after install.
Next came a little tweaking like having to install and enable DirectX 9, enabling full hardware accelleration for video and audio (speaking of which, anabling audio takes an extra reboot), configuring my wireless connection, and lastly shutting down a couple of extra services (like netbios and remote registry) I'll never need.
So I started installing my apps. This is where I saw another great improvement. All my apps were installing faster and load up quicker than ever before.
I ran 3D Mark 2001 next and got a score of about 12000 (sorry, didn't write it down but can run again if requested), up from about 10000. Nice boost, but then I installed the newest video drivers (nVIDIA) and scored 13268. I know 3D mark is only a small part of benchmarking, but the improvement was worth noting. I'm now happy running at 1280x1024x32 instead of 1024x768x32. I can run higher with good frame rates, but I like flying FPS.
So as I said b4, I'm very happy running Server 2003 as a gaming/working PC. The faster boot time, faster program response, faster 3D, and more of a "Windows 2000" look/style/feel have got me sold.
BTW...Yes, I have a legit copy. It's came as part of our Action Pack Subscription at work and I was asked to take it home, install it on my network, and report. In turn I can keep it.
-Dj
P.S. Sorry this is my "first post" again. I changed my email recently and couldn't remember my logon info to NTCompatible.
