What is Windows Server

 

What is Windows Server ?

Windows server is one of server operating system designed by the Microsoft Corporation.

Windows servers are more powerful versions of their desktop operating system and Windows server is designed to more efficiently handle corporate networking, Internet/intranet hosting, databases, enterprise-scale messaging and similar functions. Microsoft has published Windows Server under that name since Windows Server 2003 launched in April 2003. However, even before this, server versions of Windows were available. For instance, Windows NT 4.0 was available in both workstation (for general use) and server flavors.

Windows Server is generally capable of providing server-oriented services, such as the ability to host a website, user management, resource management across users and applications, messaging, security and authorization and many other server-focused services.

Up till now Microsoft has launched various versions of Server as follows: -

Windows Server 2003 (April 2003)

Windows Server 2003 R2 (December 2005)

Windows Server 2008 (February 2008)

Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 2009)

Windows Server 2012 (September 2012)

Windows Server 2012 R2 (October 2013)

Windows Server 2016 (September 2016)

Windows Server 2019 (October 2018)

Windows Server 2022 (March 2021)

 

It's an operating system just like any other ‘Windows’, but comes with 

1) Added security features.

2) Extra roles such as an IIS (Web server - A place where you can host your web application/backend).

3) FTP server - It functions as a file server.

4) Product development platform.

5) Server manager - It helps to manage all the roles and features of the O.S.

Since April 2003, when Windows Server 2003 was released, Microsoft has marketed Windows Server under that name. Server models of Windows were available long before this. Windows NT 4.0, for example, was available in both workstations (general purpose) and server flavors.

What is the difference between Windows Server and Windows Client OS?

The Server versions are used to centralize a function of the network. It can be reconfigured and software installed for it to be, for example, a database server, a web server or many more. The client versions are the ones that a user uses to access these services, Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista XP and so on.

Windows Server 2019 Essentials

Windows Server Essentials is Microsoft’s server solution offering for home-based and other small businesses. Designed for ease-of-use for small businesses with little-to-no IT support, it demonstrates the company’s dedication to serving that market.

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Essentials is a limited version of Windows Server aimed at small business. It is restricted to 25 users and offers a lower price point to hopefully entice business owners to start small and grow accustomed to the environment.

Windows Server Features

Integrated Kerberos -  Authentication (Windows Authentication).

Integrated LDAP - service (Active Directory).

Kerberos integrated with LDAP! (Active Directory).

Integrated Certificate Management and deployment (Active Directory).

Integrated Desktop (Windows!).

Integrated file sharing through SMB/CIFS (File Sharing) (NFS isn’t integrated, you have to set up a server. Every windows computer can share files out of the box).

Modern Shell system via PowerShell.

Advanced administration features via WMI (Windows Management Interface).

Driver support of almost any device and Intel computer on the planet (Lots of Arm support coming too for AArch64 servers).

What does R2 mean in a Windows server?

R2 in Windows Server 2008 means “Release 2,” and the primary reason why Microsoft uses the R2 nomenclature as opposed to revising the major product version is as follows: R2 releases do not require administrators to purchase upgrade client access licenses (CALs).

(It stands for Release 2. they’re was Windows server 2012 released previously but some flaws and improvement available needed a fast new launch.)

Also Read Related.  

What is Hyper-V in Windows Server 

How-to-install-and-configure-Active Directory in Windows Server 

How-to-Deploy-Printer-using-group Policy - Windows Server 2012 R2

How-to-Deploy-Software-in-Active Directory Windows Server 2012R2