Windows Calendar
PROS: Free with Windows Vista, compatible with existing Web-based calendar
standards
CONS: Consumer oriented, not centrally managed, no Microsoft Office Exchange
compatibility
RECOMMENDATIONS: Although Microsoft Outlook likely meets the calendar needs
of most IT pros, there's something to be said for free stuff. Vista users get
a surprisingly full-featured calendar application, Windows Calendar, with their
new OS. Unlike Exchange and Outlook, Windows Calendar fully adheres to the most
popular Web calendaring standards, making it easy to publish and subscribe to
calendars.
CONTACT: Microsoft • 800-426-9400 • http://www.microsoft.com
DISCUSSION: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_calendar.asp
Windows Home server Beta 2
PROS: Excellent workgroup backup capabilities, document and media sharing;
comes in software-only version as well as bundled with server hardware
CONS: Beta 2 version isn't widely available; no Active Directory domain
support; aimed at consumers
RECOMMENDATIONS: Windows Home Server takes the concept of Small Business
Server (SBS) and scales it down, dropping domain support and enterprise server
capabilities and adding the kind of functionality required by typical home networks.
Home Server's excellent network-wide backup and imaging capabilities make it
ideal for small workgroup setups. If you have simpler needs than even SBS meets,
Windows Home Server might be an excellent solution.
CONTACT: Microsoft • 800-426-9400 • http://www.microsoft.com
SCREENSHOTS: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/whs_b2_gallery.asp
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