Active Directory, 3rd Edition

Windows Server 2003 Versus Windows Server 2003 R2

Microsoft has consistently extended release dates for future versions of Windows Server, so they decided to release an interim version of Windows Server 2003, which includes Service Pack 1 as well as several new optional components. Some of these new optional components, such as Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), are available via Web downloads, but Microsoft chose to package them on the R2 CD to make them available to a wider audience. In addition, some users question Microsoft's commitment to software that is only available from its web site; making the components part of the Core OS dispels any doubts on Microsoft's support position.

Service Pack 1 offers a considerable number of improvements for Windows Server 2003. As with Windows XP Service Pack 2 , many of the changes are security related correcting issues in Internet Explorer and offering new firewall functionality, Table 1-5 gives an overview of the Active Directory specific updates.

Table 1-5. Windows Server 2003 SP1 Active Directory enhancements

Feature	Description
Directory service backup reminders	Special messages logged to the Directory Service event log if directory partitions are not backed up.
Additional replication security and fewer replication errors	Replication metadata for domain controllers removed from the domain is now removed. This enhances directory security and eliminates replication error messages related to the deleted domain controllers. ...