The Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 operating system includes a variety of technologies that communicate with the Internet to provide increased ease of use and functionality. Browser and e-mail technologies are obvious examples, but there are also technologies such as Automatic Updates that help you obtain the latest software and product information, including bug fixes and security patches. These technologies provide many benefits, but they also involve communication with Internet sites, which administrators might want to control.

These white papers provide information about the communication that flows between components in Windows Server 2003 and sites on the Internet. Using Windows Server 2003 in a Managed Environment: Controlling Communication with the Internet provides information about the original release of Windows Server 2003, and (MN_Srv03.doc) Using Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 in a Managed Environment: Controlling Communication with the Internet (MN_Srv03SP1.doc) provides information about Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1. The white papers describe steps to take to limit, control, or prevent that communication in an organization with many users. The white papers are designed to assist you, the administrator, in planning strategies for deploying and maintaining Windows Server 2003 in a way that helps to provide an appropriate level of security and privacy for your organization’s networked assets.