Windows 2000

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope
Windows 2000

Also called Windows 2k, Windows 2000 is an operating system released by Microsoft in February 2000.

Code-named Janus during development, Windows 2000 is based on the Windows NT kernel, sometimes called Windows NT 5.0. Windows 2000 contains over 29 million lines of code, mainly in C++, with over 8 million lines for drivers. Windows 2000 is by far one of the largest commercial projects ever built.

Windows 2000 included advanced features and had overall better support for computer hardware.

New Windows 2000 features

Professional

Windows 2000 Professional features:

  • Support for FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS (NTFS file system).
  • Increased uptime of the system and significantly fewer OS (operating system) reboot scenarios.
  • Windows Installer tracks applications and recognizes and replaces missing components.
  • Protects memory of individual apps and processes to avoid a single app bringing the system down.
  • Encrypted file systems protect sensitive data.
  • Secure VPN (virtual private network) supports tunneling into private LAN (local area network) over the public Internet.
  • Personalized menus adapt to the way you work.
  • Multilingual version allows User Interface and help to switch, based on login.
  • Includes broader support for high-speed networking devices, including native ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) and cable modems.
  • Supports USB (universal serial bus) and IEEE 1394 for greater bandwidth devices.

Server

Features of Windows 2000 Server are:

  • Active Directory improves manageability, enables security, and extends interoperability with other operating systems.
  • Provides high-level interfaces for database access and Active Directory services.
  • Lets you use COM+ to run component-based applications, integrated Web applications, and message-queuing services.
  • Transaction services feature makes it easier to develop and deploy server-centric applications.
  • Microsoft BackOffice is fully integrated into Windows 2000 Server.

Advanced server

Features of Windows 2000 Advanced Server are:

  • The server operating system for e-commerce and line-of-business applications.
  • Includes all the features of Windows 2000 Server, with additional scalability and clustering support.
  • Increased reliability to ensure your business applications are online when your customers need them.
  • Easier to use and manage clusters, applications, and updates.
  • Supports 8-way SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) and up to 8 GB of RAM (random-access memory).

Windows 2000 system requirements

Windows 2000 Professional system requirements

133 MHz or faster processor
32 MB RAM minimum
650 MB hard drive space 
CD-ROM / DVD
standard sound card for sound capability.
VGA or higher-resolution
100% compatible Microsoft keyboard and mouse
Requires Windows 95, 98 NT 3.5 or 4.0 for an upgrade.

Windows 2000 Server system requirements

Intel Pentium 133 MHz or equivalent
256 MB of RAM
1.0 GB hard drive space 
CD-ROM / DVD
Standard sound card for sound capability.
VGA or higher-resolution
100% compatible Microsoft keyboard and mouse
Requires Windows NT Server 3.5 or 4.0 for an upgrade

Windows 2000 Advanced Server system requirements

Intel Pentium 133 MHz or equivalent
256 MB of RAM
1.0 GB hard drive space 
CD-ROM / DVD
Standard sound card for sound capability.
VGA or higher-resolution
100% compatible Microsoft keyboard and mouse

Operating system terms