Member Avatar for glimmerman

well I guss I got to start learning server 2000 gonna be awile. getting to know it.

  • 6 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 217 Views
  • 3 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Netcode

Dani AI

Generated

Quick expert note for the thread: — nice to have real hardware, but starting with Windows 2000 today is risky. Microsoft ended extended support for Windows 2000 on July 13, 2010, so there are no security updates and it should never be used exposed to the Internet or for production services. As and suggested, pick a newer server OS unless you need 2000 for a specific legacy task. (See Microsoft’s support notice.) (microsoft.com)

If the aim is learning transferable sysadmin skills, use a supported release instead. Windows Server 2022 is the current LTSC and remains supported into the 2030s, so it’s a good lab/production target for AD, Group Policy, PowerShell, Hyper-V and storage/network features. For context: Windows Server 2003 reached end of extended support in July 2015, and Windows Server 2008 R2 reached end of extended support in January 2020; limited paid programs (ESU/Premium Assurance) provided temporary bridges for some customers — 2008 PA continued only through January 13, 2026 for those who had it. (Microsoft lifecycle pages.) (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical lab workflow if you want to play with older OSes: run the legacy OS inside a VM on a modern host (Hyper‑V, VMware Workstation/ESXi, or VirtualBox), snapshot the VM, place it on an isolated VLAN or completely offline, and never expose it to production networks. Use the modern host for learning newer tooling and for migration testing (rebuild services on a supported OS, test service compatibility, then retire the legacy VM).

Bottom line: for career or production work, invest time on supported Server releases (or Azure VMs). Buying old kit makes sense only for a lab or to support a justified legacy application — otherwise you’re inheriting unnecessary security and compliance risk.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for bwasson

I wouldn't suggest starting out in 2000. if you can get a copy of 2008, as that skillset will more likely serve you better in the future.

Member Avatar for BillBrown

What are you planning to use the server for exactly?

Bill

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

2000? it's basically OOL nowadays. get into 2008, or at least 2003

Member Avatar for bcurt85

Yes indeed 2000 is not a pleasant choice, maybe you should think for a second.

Member Avatar for glimmerman

2000? it's basically OOL nowadays. get into 2008, or at least 2003

I have server 2003 & 2008 R2

Member Avatar for Netcode

I have server 2003 & 2008 R2

if you have them both, why did you still acquire an old technology instead of working with whats new?

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.