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Complete Guide to Windows Server: Comparison and Differences

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Complete Guide to Windows Server: Comparison and Differences

In today’s article, we’re diving into Windows Server. This legendary operating system from Microsoft has changed the business computing world as we know it. But due to its usage in corporate and enterprise environments, most average tech enthusiasts are unaware of its existence.

We’ll explore Windows Server in detail, from the earliest versions to the current releases. See how this operating system has improved with each iteration to become the powerful business tool it is today. Let’s get to it!

Windows Server: 7 Must-Know Facts

  1. It’s an operating system for managing and maintaining corporate networks and applications.
  2. Several editions are available, each designed for different types of organizations.
  3. It includes features and tools for managing and maintaining networks, such as Active Directory and Group Policy.
  4. It can host a variety of applications and is scalable and flexible.
  5. It supports multiple networking protocols and has security features like Windows Defender.
  6. You can manage it remotely thanks to built-in remote-access software.
  7. It’s one of the most popular operating systems in the world, although you won’t find it on home computers.

What Is Windows Server: Explained

It’s a family of operating systems intended specifically for corporate and enterprise environments. If you peek into any data center or cloud services company, you will most likely find a server running on Microsoft’s Windows Server operating system. Together with various distributions of Linux, it is one of the most popular server-operating systems worldwide.

It includes several features and tools designed to help administrators manage and maintain their networks. These include Active Directory, a directory service that helps administrators manage and organize the computers, users, and other resources on their networks.

It also includes Group Policy, a feature that allows administrators to set rules and policies for how computers and users on their networks can use specific programs and access certain resources. 

Additionally, it includes tools like Remote Desktop and Hyper-V, which allow administrators to remotely manage their networks and create virtual environments for testing and development. The main difference between the desktop version of the Windows operating system and the Windows Server is the purpose and intended use of the two products.

The desktop version of the Windows operating system is designed for personal use. In contrast, Windows Server is designed for use in a server environment, where it can host applications and services that are accessed by multiple users over a network.

History of Windows Server

The origins of Windows Server can be traced back to the early 1990s when Microsoft released Windows NT, a new operating system designed for enterprise use. Windows NT was the first version of Windows to support 32-bit hardware and preemptive multitasking, making it suitable for use in server environments.

Over the years, Microsoft released several updates and new versions of Windows NT, including Windows NT 3.1, Windows NT 3.5, and Windows NT 4.0. In the late 1990s, Microsoft released Windows 2000, the first operating system to be branded as “Windows Server.”

This release introduced several new features and improvements, including support for Active Directory, a directory service that enables centralized management of network resources, and network printing and faxing support. Since the release of Windows Server 2000, Microsoft has released several updates and new versions, including the following.

Windows Server 2003

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server Standard 2003 (5 Client) [Old Version]
  • Get a preconfigured internal Web site based on Windows SharePoint Services
  • Accommodate a mobile work force through the Remote Web Workplace
  • Mobile users can access their information from portable devices
  • Updated network administration features helps your network run efficiently
  • Includes Windows Server 2003 and Exchange Server 2003 technology
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It’s a server operating system developed by Microsoft that was released in April 2003. It is the successor to Windows 2000 Server and is the basis for Windows Server 2003 R2 and later versions. Windows Server 2003 introduced improved support for Active Directory, a directory service that enables centralized management of network resources.

Windows Server 2003 included several security enhancements, including support for Security Configuration Wizard. This tool helps administrators secure their servers by enabling them to specify which services and features they should enable or disable. Windows Server 2003 also introduced support for Security Account Manager (SAM) integration, which enables administrators to use Active Directory to manage user accounts and passwords.

Several editions were available, including Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, and Datacenter Edition. Each edition offers different features and aims at different audiences and types of organizations. 

Please note: As of July 18, 2023, this server operating system is out of stock on Amazon. Please check Amazon in the future for availability.

Windows Server 2003 R2

Released in December 2005, it included several new features and improvements over the previous generation of the operating system.

Among the upgrades, Windows Server 2003 R2 introduced several improvements to Active Directory, including support for Active Directory Federation Services. This feature enables users to access network resources using a single set of credentials.

It also introduced support for Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS). This feature enables users to create and manage directory services without needing a full-fledged Active Directory deployment.

In addition to these improvements, Windows Server 2003 R2 included several other new features and improvements, such as support for Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), a feature that enables users to create backups of their data and files, and support for Windows Deployment Services (WDS).

This feature enables administrators to deploy Windows operating systems over the network. Overall, Windows Server 2003 R2 provided a range of new features and improvements, making it an attractive upgrade for organizations using Windows Server 2003.

Windows Server 2008

Microsoft included Several new features in this release, such as Server Core, a minimal installation option that reduces the operating system’s attack surface, and the first iteration of Network Access Protection (NAP), a feature that safeguards network access.

Released in February 2008, it includes several new features and improvements not present in previous versions of Windows Server. Some of the key enhancements include virtualization. Windows Server 2008 introduced support for virtualization, a technology that enables users to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server.

It included the Hyper-V virtualization platform, which enabled users to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) and allocate resources to them as needed. This edition also introduced support for Server Core, a minimal installation option that reduces the operating system’s attack surface.

Server Core includes only the operating system’s core components and does not include GUI-based tools or applications, making it more secure and easier to manage. Network Access Protection is even more improved in Windows Server 2008.

This security feature helps ensure that only healthy computers can connect to the network. NAP enables administrators to define policies that specify which systems are allowed to connect to the network and which systems are not.

This is based on factors such as whether they have the latest security updates installed and whether they meet certain system health requirements. Microsoft also introduced support for Server Message Block (SMB) 2.0, a new SMB protocol version that enables users to access network resources more efficiently.

Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard SP1 OEM (New Packaging)
  • Full OEM Version of Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition
  • Includes Hyper-V 2.0, Internet Information Server 7.5, Remote Desktop Services, and Dynamic Memory
  • Solid foundation for supporting Microsoft Server applications
  • Includes one single OEM Server License and Media
  • Server 2008 Standard requires CALS. 5 User CALs are included with this product
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Windows Server 2008 R2 is an update to Windows Server 2008 released in October 2009. It includes several new features and improvements that were not present in the latter. RemoteFX is one of the most notable features of this release.

It is a technology that enables users to access rich graphics and multimedia content remotely. RemoteFX uses hardware acceleration and compression techniques to provide a high-quality user experience over low-bandwidth connections.

Additionally, Windows Server 2008 R2 introduced support for RemoteApp, a feature that enables users to run applications remotely as if installed on their local computers. RemoteApp allows users to access applications hosted on a remote server using their local client devices, making it easier for them to work remotely.

It also introduced support for Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0, a tool that enables administrators to manage their servers and other network resources using a standard interface. 

Please note: As of July 18, 2023, this product is out of stock on Amazon. If you’re unable to locate it elsewhere, check back with Amazon at a future date.

Windows Server 2012 

Microsoft launched Windows Server 2012 in September 2012 with several new features and improvements. Windows Server 2012 introduced support for storage spaces, enabling users to create virtual disks from multiple physical disks.

Storage spaces allow users to create highly available storage using low-cost, commodity hardware and provides several options for data protection, such as parity and two-way mirroring.

Additionally, Windows Server 2012 introduced support for work folders, a precursor to Workplace Join, which enables users to access their work files from any device. Work folders allow users to synchronize their files between their client devices and the server, making it easier for them to work remotely.

Windows Server 2012 also introduced support for Hyper-V Replica, a feature that enables users to replicate virtual machines to a secondary site for disaster recovery. Hyper-V Replica uses asynchronous replication to replicate VMs to a secondary site, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for disaster recovery.

Windows Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2 is an update to Windows Server 2012 released in October 2013. It came with a few new features to please enterprise and corporate users. Workplace Join was the most hyped feature for this release.

It enables users to access corporate resources using their personal devices. Workplace Join allows users to register their devices with the corporate network, allowing them to access network resources and applications using their corporate credentials.

Windows Server 2012 R2 introduced support for Work Folders, a feature that enables users to access their work files from any device. Work Folders allow users to synchronize their files between their client devices and the server, making it easier for them to work remotely.

Security also got an upgrade. The update introduced several security enhancements, such as support for BitLocker Drive Encryption, a feature that enables users to encrypt their hard drives to protect their data from unauthorized access.

Additionally, it introduced support for read-only domain controllers (RODCs), enabling administrators to deploy domain controllers in remote or untrusted locations without compromising security.

Windows Server 2016

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Launched in September 2016, this version brought a few notable improvements. Windows Server 2016 introduced support for containers, enabling users to package applications and their dependencies into isolated environments.

Containers provide a lightweight and portable way to deploy applications, making it easier for developers to create and manage applications consistently and repeatedly.

Additionally, Windows Server 2016 introduced support for shielded VMs, a feature that helps protect virtual machines from tampering and unauthorized access. Shielded VMs use encryption and security controls to protect VMs from unauthorized access, helping to ensure that only authorized users and administrators can access them.

Please note: As of July 18, 2023, Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Essentials 64-bit is out of stock on Amazon. Check Amazon in the future for availability.

Windows Server 2019

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Essentials (1 Server, 2 CPU, 64-bit, Format DVD) | OEM
  • FOR SMALL BUSINESSES with up to 25 users and 50 devices
  • 64 bit | 1 Server, 2 CPUs
  • PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | ACTIVATION KEY is located under scratch-off area on label.
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This release introduced support for hybrid cloud scenarios, a feature that enables users to connect on-premises environments to Azure seamlessly. It included several other improvements, such as support for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), a feature that enables users to run Linux applications natively on Windows, and Windows Hello for Business support.

This feature enables users to use biometric authentication to log in to their devices. Microsoft has also released several “service packs” for each version of Windows Server, which are updates that include new features and bug fixes.

Key Differences

There are several key differences between the average desktop version of the Windows operating system and the server version. While the primary purpose of the desktop version of the Windows operating system is for personal and office computers, the primary purpose of Windows Server is to provide a platform for hosting applications and services that multiple users can access over a network.

Another area of noticeable difference is the appearance of the user interface. The desktop version of the Windows operating system typically includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with a desktop, taskbar, and start menu, which enables users to interact with the operating system and its applications using a mouse and keyboard.

Windows Server typically includes a GUI similar to the operating system’s desktop version. Still, it also includes a server core installation option, which includes only the operating system’s core components and does not include a GUI.

The desktop version of the Windows operating system typically includes a range of applications, such as a web browser, a media player, and productivity tools, which are designed for personal use. In contrast, Windows Server typically includes a smaller set of applications designed for use in a server environment, such as tools for managing Active Directory, creating and managing virtual machines, and deploying and managing web apps.

Licensing is another differentiating factor between the two. While the desktop version of the Windows operating system is typically licensed for use on a single device, Windows Server is generally licensed for use on multiple devices in a server environment. Windows Server licenses are frequently sold as client access licenses (CALs), which are required for each user or device that accesses the server.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windows Server used for?

Windows Server is used by network and system administrators to manage and maintain the networks and applications used by businesses and organizations.

 

 

 

 

What are the different editions of Windows Server?

Several editions of Windows Server are available, including Standard, Datacenter, and Web. Each edition is designed to meet the specific needs of different organizations.

How do I manage Windows Server remotely?

Windows Server can be managed remotely using tools such as Remote Desktop and Remote Server Administration Tools. These tools allow administrators to connect to and manage their servers from any location remotely.

How do I ensure the security of my Windows Server environment?

Windows Server includes a number of built-in security features, such as Windows Defender and BitLocker, to help protect against malware and other security threats.

Additionally, administrators can implement best practices such as applying security updates and patches, using strong passwords, and implementing network and access controls to help secure their environments.

How do I keep my Windows Server environment up to date?

Microsoft regularly releases updates for Windows Server, including new features and security updates. Administrators are encouraged to update their servers to ensure the best performance and security.

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