Introduction to Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2

Windows Server 2008 R2 is a Server side operating system which is launched by Microsoft. It is the operating system that replaced W2K3 (Server 2003).

This operating system enables core IT resources, such as file and print sharing, remote access, and security. It also provides a network foundation from which you can centrally manage settings on your computers that are based on the Windows operating system, and upon which you can run the most popular business applications.

In addition to this, it provides a familiar Windows user experience that helps you manage users and safeguard business information.

As your business grows, you can use Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation to upgrade to more advanced versions of Windows Server. Since Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation comes pre-installed with your server hardware, you do not need to separately obtain and then install the hardware and operating system.

Perhaps best of all, Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation is supported by an extensive network of certified professionals who can provide service for your Windows Server network.

Versions of Windows Server 2008 R2

Following are the main versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 include:

1. Standard Edition: It is the default versions deployed by the organisations. It supports up to four core processors and 32GB of memory. This version of the operating system to support domain controllers, utility servers (such as DNS or DHCP), file servers, print servers, media servers, SharePoint servers, and so on. The capability of Standard Edition is sufficient for most of the organisations.

2. Enterprise Edition: This Edition focusses on server systems that require extremely large-scale processing and memory capabilities as well as clustering or Active Directory Federation Services. It can handle hundreds of users on a single server. It supports server clustering, provides an organization with the nonstop networking demand of true 24/7, 99.999% uptime capabilities required in high-availability environments.

3. Datacenter Edition: This Edition is a high-end hardware version of the operating system that supports very large-scale data center operations. It supports organizations that need more than eight core processors. It is used by thos organizations that need scale-up server technology to support a large centralized data warehouse on one or limited numbers of server clusters.

4. Web Server Edition: It is a web front-end server version of the operating system focused on application server needs that are dedicated to web services requirements.  So, this edition can be used as a simple web server to host application development environments. In short, we can say that it is used by those companies that are into web hosting.

5. Core Edition: Most of the users prefer Windows server because of the GUI. But, this edition is a GUI-less version of the Windows 2008 operating system. In this, when a system boots up, the system does not load up the normal Windows GUI (Graphical User Interface). Instead, it boots to a logon prompt, and from the logon prompt the system drops to a DOS command prompt. There is no Start button, no menu, no GUI at all.

It is not sold as a separate Edition, rather it comes as an install option that comes with the Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, and Web Server Editions of the operating system.

For Example: If you purchase a license of Windows Server 2008, Standard Edition, the DVD will have both the normal Standard Edition code plus a Windows 2008 Standard Edition Server Core version. You can install any of them according to your requirements.