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Microsoft Posts Release Candidate of Windows Server 2003 SP1

Microsoft posted the release candidate version of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 to its Download Center on Monday.

Windows Server 2003 SP1 is similar to Windows XP Service Pack 2 in that it brings new security functionality to the underlying operating system in addition to security fixes and performance improvements.

Security improvements in SP1 include a Security Configuration Wizard, porting of the Windows Firewall from Windows XP to Windows Server 2003 and new quarantining functionality for RAS and VPN connections. Security is also being improved through support for Data Execution Prevention, boot-time network protection for clean installs and a new wave of security guidance.

Much of the company's critical Windows server roadmap depends on the release. SP1 will serve as the foundation for the Windows Server x64 editions and the Windows Server 2003 "R2" release.

The 32-bit download is available here.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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