At my workplace, I've managed to integrate Linux and Active Directory so that I can use AD groups to control access to intranet sites. That was quite a breakthrough, allowing me to move my MySQL/PHP-driven apps onto Linux, where they feel most at home.
I'm going to be learning asp and asp.net web development, so I built a Server 2008 machine this week where all of my new development will be living.
I've managed 2000 and 2003 Server installs, so I know how things work. But let me say this: If you think Vista was an abortion, it's NOTHING compared to the piece of crap that is Windows 2008 Server.
Basically, an admin is treated like an idiot. Things like managing services now involve at least two more mouse-clicks. I'm behind a strong firewall, I don't need Windows Firewall. But guess what? You CAN'T turn on Terminal Services unless Windows Firewall is running!
Here's what it amounts to: our OS is so inherently unsecure that we are going to forbid you to make a connection to it unless our firewall is on. What rubbish.
I was able to fool it by disabling Windows Firewall after getting Terminal Services going. So far, it has remained on.
And get this: I installed 2008 Web Server. I can't find IIS manager! I select server management under administrative tools, and I can't see ANYTHING about IIS. What in blazes is going on here?
One of the things I love about administering Linux/UNIX is its consistency. Apache starts/stops on a twenty-year-old HPUX box just like it does on a CentOS5 machine. What are these vacuum-headed Windows developers doing forcing server admins to relearn their tasks with every new release??????
OK, I guess there may be motive behind presenting a fresh new look to desktops every few years. But why redo the server experience?
Tomorrow, I'll spend a few more hours trying to figure out the clownishly bizarre Server 2008 experience. And, once again, I'll wonder how these morons ever got to be #1.
