Ged wrote:There isn't all that much difference between Windows desktop and Windows server system. It's all in the software.
that's all an OS is anyway, software. windows server is keyed different that the workstation and now they come off of different forks of the windows code. but even if that weren't true, they come prepackaged with certain bundles of software to help the end user not only in terms of getting started faster, but having commonalities that help users get help easier.
when you consider that windows desktop comes with web, asp, ftp, smtp, network resolvers, a basic write and draw program, a web browser and email client -- it's easy to appreciate that you don't have to download all that crud yourself. you can just install and start using it that same day. (one cd -- take away the support tools and the adverts and it slims down a lot)
but on the other hand you consider windows server 2003 R2 comes with web, asp, ftp, smtp, pop3, network resolvers as well as ADS, DNS, WINS, basic NIS for UNIX, basic write and draw, web browser, email client and now even comes with microsoft sharepoint (you can basically set up your portal immediately) and with vista server come with virtual server software it's easy to see that an administrator would have the tools they would to set up a server right away. if they so choose, they can download different types of software -- they still have choice but they also have convenience and a resource to go to if they need help as there is system hegemony. R2 takes two cds but again, if you took away the "extras" it would slim down.
yes, it's "just" software but you define its value by what you present. i think it's clear that both microsoft and apple understand this.