Window 2003 versus WindowsXP

Our group develop a product that will use windows 2003, currently we are using windowsXP. We consider to move all our develop station to 2003.
1. do we have to move to windows2003 if our final product is using windows2003. (our product don't use client server features).
2. what are the diffrences between the 2 operating systems. (beside the add feature of network that windows2003 has).
a. Does the look&feel is different?
b. Does visual c++ use different dll versions?
c. Is the compilation time is faster in windows2003?
d. Will we need to change settings, (or anything else) when moving to windows2003?

Thanks.

 

Windows server 2003 in its native install is heavily locked down to maximise stability. It looks similar to W2K. Graphics and sound acceleration are turned off by default, and IE enhanced security is implemented.
BUT, if you don't mind POSSIBLY compromising stability it can be turned into an XP look-alike with (in my experience) added stability and faster performance. You can even add system restore functionality to it. Modifying it is not recommended if it is to be used as a server where maximun uptime and reliability are needed. But if all that is required is the stability of XP (and possibly more) then you can succesfully transform it into an updated version of XP. (Windows NT v5.2 as apposed to v5.1) It is more fussy with XP drivers and some software, but will happily work with Office, latest graphics drivers (when Graphics acc. is turned on) and "most?" other programmes, even TV cards and CD/DVD burning programmes such as Nero, Roxio, Clone CD/DVD etc.
If this is where you want to go then the following site is very usefull and I've used most of the tweaks with success. Installing system restore functionality has been invaluable when driver and/or software issues have caused stability issues when an uninstall hasn't helped.