IT Course Computer Systems and Networks 006_Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server
Windows Server is a server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is specifically designed to run on server hardware and supports large networks and enterprise environments. Windows Server provides a range of features and services for managing, deploying, and maintaining server applications and networks.

Windows Server Features:
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Core Mode: Windows Server provides a graphical user interface, as well as a core mode suitable for GUI-less environments. This allows users to choose the appropriate operating mode based on their actual needs.
- Active Directory Services: Active Directory in Windows Server is a directory service used to manage users, computers, and other resources in a network. It provides authentication, authorization, and fine-grained access control.
- Virtualization: Windows Server provides the Hyper-V virtualization platform, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on the same physical server. This improves resource utilization and flexibility.
- Remote Desktop Services: Windows Server supports Remote Desktop Services, allowing users to remotely access server desktops and applications over the network.
- Internet Information Services (IIS): Windows Server integrates IIS for hosting and managing web applications, supporting ASP.NET and other web technologies.
- File and Print Services: Provides powerful file and print services, enabling organizations to share resources, manage files, and print jobs.
- Security Features: Includes BitLocker encryption, Windows Defender antivirus software, network security features, and more to protect systems and data.
Windows Server Uses (Advantages):
- Enterprise Network Management: Windows Server is the core of enterprise networks, supporting user authentication, resource management, and security through features like Active Directory.
- Application Hosting: Through IIS and the .NET framework, Windows Server is a powerful application hosting platform, particularly suitable for .NET development.
- Database Management: Supports database systems like Microsoft SQL Server, suitable for large-scale database management and data processing.
- Virtualization Platform: Hyper-V provided by Windows Server is a mature virtualization platform that supports running multiple virtual machines on the same hardware.
Common Windows Server System Features and Characteristics
| Feature | Windows Server Essentials | Windows Server Standard | Windows Server Datacenter | Windows Server Azure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Small businesses | Small to medium businesses | Large enterprises and data centers | Cloud environments |
| Features | File sharing, Web server, Email services | Virtualization, High availability, Data protection | High-performance computing, Storage and networking, Strong security features | Scalability, Reliability, Cost-effective |
| Price | Affordable | Moderate | Expensive | Cost-effective |
| Ease of Use | Easy to use | Easy to use | Complex | Easy to use |
Recommended: 2019, 2016, 2012 R2
Links:
Windows Server Downloads Windows Server 2019 Windows Server 2016 Windows Server 2012 R2
Activation Tool Microsoft-Activation-Scripts (MAS)