Microsoft Windows 2000 replaced Windows NT 4.0 as Microsoft’s primary operating system in February 2000. A continuation of Microsoft’s NT line, Windows 2000 was initially released in four editions: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Server, Advanced Server and Datacenter Server. Two later versions — Advanced Server Limited Edition and Datacenter Server Limited Edition — were released in 2001 to run on 64-bit Intel Itanium processors.

To understand the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system, consider the following:

1. Windows 2000 features and improvements.
2. Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition.
3. Microsoft Windows 2000 Server family.
4. Current status: Microsoft extended support for MS Windows 2000.
5. MS Windows 2000 forums, shareware, freeware and software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

MS Windows 2000 features and improvements

All editions of Windows 2000 share common improvements including NTFS 3.0 (file management), the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), the Encrypting File System (EFS), Logical Disk Manager as well as multi-language and additional locale support.

I recommend: Winbuyer.com allows you to compare prices from multiple vendors on different editions of Windows 2000.

Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition

MS Windows 2000 Pro is the standard edition adopted by business and personal users.

I recommend: Visit DirectDeals.com and enter Windows 2000 in the product search box to find special pricing on MS Windows 2000 Pro. Shopping.com’s MS Windows 2000 page offers many sources and comparative prices for MS Window 2000 Pro and other Microsoft Windows 2000 products.

Microsoft Windows 2000 Server family

Three editions make up the Windows 2000 server family. Windows 2000 Server is the entry-level version for file, print, Intranet and infrastucture servers. Advanced Server is designed for small- to medium-sized businesses, supports 25 clients and is scalable for running e-commerce and line-of-business applications. Datacenter Server offers the most powerful support for large, dispersed enterprises.

I recommend: See Microsoft Windows 2000 Server page for descriptions of the three MS Windows 2000 server products. BizRate.com offers comparative pricing from multiple vendors for Microsoft 2000 server products.

Current status: Windows 2000 lifecycle support

In June of 2005 the MS Windows 2000 family transitioned from its 5-year mainstream support phase into its extended support phase. Extended support provides security hot fixes and paid support, but no free support, design change requests or nonsecurity hot fixes.

I recommend: Microsoft’s MS Windows 2000 page describes its current status in terms of updates and support. Windows 2000 Update Rollup 1 for Service Pack 4 is the final service pack for Microsoft Windows 2000. See SupportSpace for independent Microsoft Windows 2000 technical support from certified experts.

Microsoft Windows 2000 forums, help, shareware, freeware and software

A lively users' community still exists for Windows 2000 with active forums, training, games and other software offers.

I recommend: WinPortal.com’s Windows 2000 page is an online users’ community with help, forums, news, links and MS Windows 2000 compatible freeware, shareware and software. Microsoft’s Window 2000 newsgroup hosts ongoing discussions for MS Windows 2000 users. Enter your ZIP code and type in “Microsoft Windows 2000” at ComputerTrainingSchools.com to find MS Windows 2000 training courses in your area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition requires 133 MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU, 64MB of RAM, and 2 GB hard drive space.
• •  In addition to the above, Windows 2000 Server editions require a minimum of 256MB of RAM.
• •  MS Windows 2000 software, including Office 2000, is still available and in use by many people who still use computers with 133MHz Pentium processors.