Windows Server 2003 Control Panels - coming soon?

[Shane]

This is the only thing that is holding me back from purchasing. I need a Control Panel that comes with the server. Any idea of when this will be happening?

[knightfoo]

We are currently testing control panel options for Windows 2003, but there are some bugs that need to be worked out. Windows 2003 is still relatively new and there are some gotchas that the control panel vendors need to overcome before they (or we) can release a viable product.

-knightfoo

[saxroots]

Originally posted by Shane
This is the only thing that is holding me back from purchasing. I need a Control Panel that comes with the server. Any idea of when this will be happening?

Hey Shane...

I got my SB Win2k3 server about two weeks ago and finally today I've managed to get it all working smoothly as far as multiple websites and pop3 email. The delay was only a learning curve - nothing wrong with the software.

I found a little known feature built into Win2k3 that is in fact a control panel for setting up multiple websites. I've got at least 4 huge "bible" type books and none of them even mentions it!! I'm not talking about the MMC thing called "Computer Management" - this thing is a web browser based control system. It's limited - but it works well.

Also, under the admin tasks menu there's a pop3 management tool that creates mutiple pop3 domains.

I think that learning how Win2k3 works directly first is a good thing before getting into a commercial control panel. But also, I'm thinking that with your ASP programming experience - knocking up a simple front end to Win2k3 should be pretty easy and very rewarding too - if you have the time.

That's what I'll be attempting next.

[Shane]

knightfoo,
Thanks for the info and reply.

saxroots,
Thanks for the reply. I just need a control panel for my clients. I have a few local win 2003 machines and I can set up every thing fine.

I was actually thinking about creating a basic control panel so users could do some basic things, but honestly, I wouldn't know where to begin. I've never tried anything like that. Do you know of any information that is available?

Thanks,
Shane

[saxroots]

Originally posted by Shane
I wouldn't know where to begin. I've never tried anything like that. Do you know of any information that is available?


Shane,

You'd need to do some research but it's much simpler than it sounds. There are quite a few command line programs built into Win2k3 that allow you to do things like create websites and pop3 mailboxes. You could write a shell front end that simply executed those same programs with parameters input by your users.

I suggest "Mastering Windows Server 2003" by Sybex.

That would be a start.

[Shane]

ah oh ok. Thanks for the help!