In a previous column, I discussed upgrading from Windows NT 4.0. Like an older car, it gets from point to point. But features such as air bags and traction control can’t simply be bolted on.

First up: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems and additional "feature packs" are due this year. SP1, as the company has said, will include ...