Windows Servers

Overview

Windows is an operating system that was released by Microsoft Corporation. To date, Microsoft has released eight server-based operating systems: Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows HPC Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Small Business Server, Windows Essential Business Server, and Windows Home Server.

The cost of a Windows server depends on the version. Each version of the Windows server operating system has a unique licensing model. For Windows Server 2008, the licensing model consists of a server operating license and a Client Access License (CAL), which enables users to connect to a remote server for services. Microsoft offers many flexible options for licensing that are designed to offer complete scalability based on needs and usage.

Benefits

Windows servers are easy to deploy, manage, and use. These servers offer streamlined processes and simplified tools that simplify routine server management tasks. As a result, you do not need a dedicated administrator to manage the Windows server.

Windows servers provide plenty of technical advantages at low ownership costs. Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA), Multi-path Input and Output, and Intel Hyper Threading Technology enable scaling up of servers. Intelligent File Storage systems increase the protection and availability of documents.

Windows servers offer a secure infrastructure and can be used to create dynamic websites on the Internet and Intranet. Windows servers also enable fast conversion of file servers to collaboration servers. Windows servers also offer XML web services that are easy to find, share, and reuse. Operations can be automated using script-based and policy based management tools.

How It Works

Windows Server 2008 is built on a platform that is similar to Windows Vista. Windows servers include features for networking stacks, image based installation processes, and tools for deployment, recovery, monitoring and diagnostics, event logging, and reporting. Windows servers also have new security features such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and encryption tools.

Windows Firewall offers a secure default configuration along with Windows Work Flow foundation and Microsoft Message Queuing. The server has improvements in the file system, memory, and core kernel. The configuration and maintenance of the server is done through a command line interface or through a remote connection that is facilitated through the Microsoft management console. The server core does not include a .NET Framework, Windows Power shell, and Internet Explorer. Server core machines are configured to create clusters that offer high availability using Network Load Balance or Failover Clustering.

Windows servers have a Windows System Resource Manager (WSRM) that provides resource management tools. WSRM is used to control the number of resources that are allocated to a process. One of the newest features in Windows Server 2008 is the packaged Server Manager, which combines the Security Configuration Wizard and Manage your Server program from previous versions.

Companies/Brands

Microsoft manufactures Windows Server software. You can also find software, guides, and accessories at Amazon.