Windows Server

What is Windows Server?

The second possible operating systems is Windows Server. It’s a line of operating systems created by Microsoft. The first version of Windows Server was released in April of 2003. Windows Server allows users to store, organize, receive, and send documents from and to devices that are connected to a network. Windows Server is mainly used for businesses, but can also be purchased for personal use. Name- and appearance wise, Windows Server is similar to its daily used version. Every Windows Server version correlates with a Windows version and they share the same codebase as well. For instance, Windows Server 2019 correlates with Windows 10.  

There are 3 types of Windows Server: 

• Windows Server Datacenter: main focus is on highly virtualized data or cloud centers. There is no limit to the amount of virtual machines that can be used.  
• Windows Server Essentials: meant for small and medium businesses containing a maximum of 25 users and 50 devices. 
• Windows Server Standard: ideal for unvirtualized or slightly virtualized surroundings and is limited to the use of 2 virtual machines.  

Windows Server: functions 

• DHCP: DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and it provides the server with the ability to automatically allocate IP addresses to all computers, printers and other devices that are linked to the network.  
• File and storage: filing and storage features ensure a clear way of managing data. Windows Server includes file and storage features so organizations can control and secure their data in a well-protected secure location. Additionally, management can provide its coworkers with access but can also exclude people from gaining access to certain data. 
• Active Directory: this user management services provides the ability to enable the server to take control over a certain domain. This way user authentication is handled by the server instead of each user managing their own logging in individually.  
• Printing: by purchasing Windows Server, organizations can easily link all their printers to the same server. Without this Server organizations would have to configure each printer individually. This Way, t’s easy to link all printing systems together so setting up a new workstation won’t be so time consuming.  

Windows Server: versions 

There have been multiple versions of Windows Server. The first one was released in 2000 and allowed its users to encrypt data, access files, and configure private networks. After that, multiple new versions have been released:  

• Windows Server 2003 
• Windows Server 2008 
• Windows Server 2008 R2 
• Windows Server 2012 
• Windows Server 2012 R2 
• Windows Server 2016 
• Windows Server 2019  
• Windows Server 2022 

The next version of Windows Server is Windows Server 2025. Although its name states 2025, the release date is still unknown. The focus for Windows Server 2025 will be on introducing innovative features and improving performance and security.  

Windows Server: advantages 

One of Windows Server’s most relevant advantages is its multi-layered security. With security features such as a firewall and a strong Windows Defender antivirus it provides protection against cyber-attacks and other malicious activity. Moreover, it includes automated patching so the security will be updated at al times. A second advantage is the fact that it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. This feature translates to more time for other assignments instead of dealing with server problems. Another advantage are the security updates. These are kept up-to data at all times which means it provides the best possible security for organizations. A forth advantage is Windows Server’s Access Control. It allows users to give or deny access to their employees in a simple way. Administrators can allocate certain user rights to the respective people so they will have the rights to the right data and/or information.