Microsoft has been famous for upgrading it’s Operating systems from time to time and providing more features with the improved standards and versions of the Operating system. The latest Version of Windows Operating system is Windows 2008 Operating system and it also has some Editions and one can select an Operating system according to the requirements as Windows provides different features with each Versions and Editions of Windows Operating system. As we are aware of the fact that Windows Operating system requires licensing fees, you should be careful while choosing your Operating system Version and Edition. To help you while choosing your Windows 2008 Operating system Edition on your dedicated server hosting package, here are some of the features of different Editions of Windows 2008 Operating system.

1. Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition

This version is considered to be more or less similar to Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition. It has the capability to provide you with features through which the Security level of the Server can be increased. Hot add processor capabilities are included with this Operating system Edition and it can also be used to setup a number of Servers in a Cluster. The Licensing cost is one factor which bothers an Organization and if you have an Organization which is facing the same problem then Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition is for you as it has the amazing capability to merge the applications together which finally results into reduced costs.

2. Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition

This version will provide your Windows Dedicated server an Enterprise platform which is suitable for small or large Businesses. The best part of this version is the Hardware Virtualization capabilities it provides which is good for Large scale Virtualization and organizations as this feature helps the organization to reduce the costs for applications which are required. This Operating system provides organizations with a Strong platform with reduced costs as it also provides High Quality Virtualization solutions.

3. Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition

Standard Edition of any Version of Windows is considered to be the best as it has a good balance of all the features and hence Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition is considered to be the best 2008 Operating system. Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition provides higher level of Control over the Server with Never before Management Techniques including Virtualization Techniques and features which adds up to the Performance of the Server. This version is highly recommended if you need a very Secured Operating system which reduces your time consumption provides the Organization a highly dependable platform.

4. Windows HPC Server 2008 Edition

This version includes many Monitoring features which is the best option for people who require high reliability and higher Capabilities for Computing. The Stability of this Version provides the User with Ultimate level of control and Flexibility. It is also capable to cope up with Linux based HPC platforms which is a Unique feature in this operating system Version. Most of the batch and service oriented applications are supported by this version which is yet another benefit.

5. Windows Web Server 2008 Edition

This version is suitable for you if you wish to have it on a Single web server i.e. a Dedicated Server. This version is highly stable and hence can be used for a high Specification Dedicated server. Usually, this Version is provided with the latest versions of IIS 7.0, ASP.NET, and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

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IIS is the webserver for Windows Dedicated servers. Installation of PHP 5 be done but it is recommended that you confirm with your web hosting provider before installing it on your Windows Dedicated server.

Note : Below given steps are for installing PHP5 on Windows Dedicated server with Windows 2003 Operating system. Make sure that IIS 6 and Windows 2003 Server is already installed on your Server before you try the steps given below to install PHP5.

1. Download Zip Package of PHP from it’s website. Make sure that you install the Zip Package only, otherwise, the below given steps won’t work.

2. Now, Extract the Zip package to a Directory on the Harddrive of your Server. (It is recommended that you extract the files to C:\PHP and the below steps are given assuming that you have done the same)

3. Right click My Computer and select Properties from the Start Menu after you have added C:\PHP to your path. Once done, Click Environment Variables button from the Advanced tab.

4. Now find Path and Edit it (You will find Path under System Variable). Add the semicolon (;) at the End of Variable Value and finally add C:\PHP.

5. It is necessary to Configure IIS now. You can do this by opening the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager from Administrative Tools.

6. Now, configure Web Service Extension and Web sites according to the steps given below :

Web Service extension – Add New Web Service Extension once you right Click on the Web Service extension Folder. Keep the Extension Status to Allowed after you have setup the Extension Name to .PHP and added C:\PHP\PHP5ISAPI.DLL to the Necessary Files.

Web Sites – Right click once you have selected the “Websites” folder and select Properties. Click the Configuration Button from the Home Directory Tab. Now add an Application Extension after clicking Add. Add PHP as Extension and Execute C:\PHP\PHP5ISAPI.DLL. The other settings should be left as the same.

Click OK and proceed.

Now PHP5 is installed on your Windows 2003 Server.

You can follow the steps given below to check the PHP installation :-

a) Create a file with PHP Extension. For exam: xyz.php.

b) Add the following lines of text and then save the file into your website directory.

Example : C:\INETPUB\WWWROOT

c) Finally, use your browser to read the file. example : http://localhost/test.php

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