Windows Server Code Name Longhorn has been released to beta testers today, with some of the most important changes coming to Longhorn Server Core. Core will support a grand total of 8 roles, double the 4 roles it had back in mid 2005. The grand total of roles available to Server Core includes:
- Active Directory
- Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services
- DNS
- DHCP
- File/Print
- Windows Media Services
- Terminal Services Easy Print, Remote App, and Gateway
- Virtualization (configuring a server as a dedicated host for virtual servers.) (won’t be available immediately.

PowerShell is also included in the 3rd beta release of Longhorn Server, as well as the Windows Firewall being enabled by default.

Microsoft Windows Server code name “Longhorn” helps IT professionals to increase the flexibility of their server infrastructure while offering developers a more robust Web and applications platform for building connected applications and services. Powerful new management tools and security enhancements offer more control over your servers and network and provide advanced protection for your applications and data.

-Windows Server “Longhorn” Standard Edition
This edition of Windows Server “Longhorn” provides key server functionality across most server roles and features. It includes both full and Server Core installation options.
-Windows Server “Longhorn” Enterprise Edition
This edition builds on Windows Server “Longhorn” Standard Edition to provide greater scalability and availability, and adds enterprise technologies such as failover clustering and Active Directory Federation Services.
-Windows Server “Longhorn” Datacenter Edition
This edition offers the same functionality as Windows Server “Longhorn” Enterprise Edition with support for additional memory and processors, and unlimited virtual image use rights.
-Windows Web Server “Longhorn”
This edition is designed specifically for use as a Web and applications server. Other server roles and the Server Core installation option are not available in this edition.
-Windows Server “Longhorn” for Itanium-based Systems
This edition is designed for use with Intel Itanium 64-bit processors to provide Web and applications server functionality on that platform. Other server roles and features may not be available.

Get beta 3

Direct Download Links:

Windows Server “Longhorn” Web x86 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Web x64 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Standard x86 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Standard x64 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Enterprise x86 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Enterprise x64 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Datacenter x86 - English
Windows Server “Longhorn” Datacenter x64 - English