How do I set up my Windows 20003 dedicated server?
How do I access my Windows 2003 dedicated server?
Why does Windows cost more?
Can I install my own licenses?
Are FrontPage Extensions included?
I want to run ASP sites - do I need Windows to do that?
What is the difference between the 5 and Unlimited
Authenticated User Licenses?
Can I do streaming audio and/or video
with Windows 2003 Server?
How do I set up my Windows 2003 dedicated server?
Please visit Getting Started with your Windows 2003 Dedicated Server to learn more.
How do I access my Windows 2003 dedicated server?
All of our Dedicated Servers with Windows 2003 Server give you full Administrator access. We recommend using the free Microsoft program Windows Remote Desktop Connection.
Windows Remote Desktop Connection is an updated version of Terminal Services,
and allows you to view the desktop of your server on your local PC screen,
just as if you were sitting in front of your server. It works on Windows 95,
Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, and Windows XP. You may
already have the program installed at:
Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop Connection
(If it is not installed on your computer, you can download it from Microsoft).
Simply run the program, type in the IP address of your server, and log in to view your server as if you were right beside it, as pictured:
After you log in, the Remote Desktop will open. RDC allows you to view the desktop of your server on your local PC, as if you were sitting in front of it. From here, you can perform administration duties. For more help with Remote Desktop Connection, see this extensive guide)
Why does Windows cost more?
ServePath charges $39.99 per month for Windows 2003 Server ($59.99 for dual processor machines) because there is a high licensing cost. If you were to purchase Windows 2003 Server, the retail cost would be about $900, while our other operating systems Red Hat Fedora Linux and FreeBSD are distributed free. In addition, you save hundreds over the life of your server because you will not have to pay upgrade or maintenance fees when renting Windows 2003 Server on a ServePath server.
Can I install my own licenses?
You have full Administrator access to your server. If you already own a license to a program such as SQL Server, you are more than welcome to install it on your server. Simply download the installer to your server over the Internet, and run it locally on your server to install. Please note that ServePath's terms of service do not allow the use of unlicensed Microsoft software on our servers.
Are FrontPage Extensions included?
Microsoft FrontPage extensions are not installed by default, but they can be easily downloaded and installed if you or your clients want to take advantage of the FrontPage integration into Windows.
I want to run ASP sites - do I need Windows to do that?
ASP (active server page) is a proprietary Microsoft technology for building dynamic web sites. While it is possible to run ASP sites on Linux, you need special software that often carries additional licensing costs. In general, we recommend that ASP sites be hosted on Windows servers for maximum performance and compatibility.
What is the difference between the 5 and Unlimited Authenticated User Licenses?
The standard Windows 2003 Server license on our servers is a 5 authenticated user license. This refers to users who need to log into the server, not users of content hosted there (you can have millions of web site visitors, FTP users, etc.). Microsoft licensing requires that an Unlimited Authenticated User license be purchased for applications that require more than 5 authenticated users. These applications are typically file, print, active directory or terminal services servers. The vast majority of ServePath customers only need the unauthenticated 5 user license. For more information, please contact us.
Can I do streaming audio and/or video with Windows 2003 Server?
Yes, Windows is an excellent platform for streaming media. Windows Media Player is the leading streaming media player for PCs, and all ServePath servers include Windows Media Server. The Windows Media server components consist of the Windows Media component services and Windows Media Administrator. The Windows Media component services broadcast audio and video content via unicast and multicast to clients. The component services are the Windows Media Monitor, Program, Station, and Unicast services. Windows Media Administrator is a set of Web pages that manages the Windows Media component services, and allows you to control the local server or attach to and control one or more remote Windows Media servers.
If you are looking for a turnkey streaming solution without needing to administer your own Windows Media Server, ServePath's division UpStream Networks can help. Specializing in providing customized content delivery solutions, UpStream Networks offers the best streaming technology while leveraging ServePath's Screaming-Fast Network™ and other managed services. UpStream Networks is focused on providing on demand and live Windows media streaming services.
To learn more please visit UpStreamNetworks.com.