Windows Server 2012 Functions

Server Functions

• Server functions depend on the type of business, its size, and the extent of technological use for operations.
• Server functions include services such as Active Directory (managing logins), DHCP (dynamic IP addressing), DNS (domain naming), email, and various other services to support organizational operations.

Computer as Server

• A computer becomes a server when software is installed to provide network services to client computers.
• Operating systems like Windows 10/11 are designed for desktop computers but can also perform server functions (like file/printer sharing).
• Server operating systems prioritize network performance and background processes over desktop applications.

Windows Server 2012/R2 Network Services

• File and Printer Sharing: Allows multiple users to access shared folders and a single printer.
• Web Server: A server that hosts Websites.
• Routing and Remote Access Services (RRAS): Manages network connectivity and routing.
• Domain Name System (DNS): Translates domain names into IP addresses.
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): Automatically assigns IP addresses to client machines.
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Server: Transfers files between computers.
• Active Directory: Controls user accounts, permissions, and network resources.
• Distributed File System (DFS): Manages shared files across the network.
• Hyper-V: Allows running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server.
• Windows Networking: Provides essential networking functionalities within the server environment.

Supported Users

• Windows 10 desktops support limited network services and a maximum of 20 logged-on users.

Fault Tolerance

• Windows Server 2012/R2 supports fault tolerance (Redundant Array of Independent Disks [RAID] 5 and load balancing).

Windows Server 2012/R2 Editions

• Datacenter, Standard, Essential, and Foundation editions are available.
• Businesses can choose the appropriate edition based on their needs and services required.
• Datacenter Edition allows an unlimited number of virtual instances, and supports up to 64 physical processors and potentially unlimited nodes per cluster.
• Standard Edition has similar features to Datacenter but with limitations on the number of virtual instances (dual-core only).
• Essential Edition is for small businesses (25 or fewer users) and easily configured. Including core services (Active Directory Certificate Services, DNS, File Services, Web Server (IIS), Network Policy Server, and Remote Desktop Services).
• Foundation Edition is suitable for smaller businesses without large numbers of users (limited to 15 users), with further limitations on processors and RAM. It supports only one physical processor.

Cloud Computing and Virtualization

• Cloud computing abstracts computing resources from users.
• Virtualization uses software to create multiple hardware environments on a single physical server.

Virtual Machines (VMs)

• A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer.
• A host computer runs VM software and acts as the physical hardware environment for VMs.
• Virtualization software manages VMs.

Cloud Types

• Public Cloud: Provided by third parties.
• Private Cloud: Provided by an internal IT department.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

• Users can access virtual desktops via specific software or browser.

Windows Server 2012/R2 Core Technologies

• Server Manager: A single interface for managing servers.
• Active Directory: Centralized management for network resources.
• Disk Management: Manages disks and volumes.
• File and Printer Sharing: Facilitates file sharing and printer access.
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Server: Transfers files between computers.
• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS): Provides services for creating, issuing, and managing digital certificates.
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Turns a Windows server into a domain controller. This role is required to manage authentication.
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server: Automatically assigns IP addresses to clients.
• Windows Networking: Provides essential networking functionalities within the server environment.
• IP Address Management (IPAM): Monitors and manages DHCP and DNS servers, enabling auditing and tracking of address changes.

Network Concepts

• Workgroup Model: A simple, decentralized network structure for small groups (fewer than 10).
• Domain Model: A more complex, centralized network structure for larger groups. Requires a domain controller for authentication.

Server Roles

• Server role: A major function or service performed by a server.
• Role service: Adds functions to the main role.
• Server features: Enhances or supports an installed role.

Digital Certificates

• Electronic documents containing identity information.
• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) provides services for creating, issuing, and managing digital certificates.

Domain Controller Features

• A central point for authentication and authorization in a Windows domain.
• Manages domain resources and users.

DHCP Server Role

• Automatically assigns IP addresses to network clients.
• A DHCP Server role allows for configurable default gateway, DNS server settings, and other options.

Windows Deployment Services

• Simplifies large-scale Windows installations and configurations over a network.

PowerShell

• A command-line scripting environment for server management.
• Hundreds of cmdlets available for simple and complex tasks.

IP Address Management (IPAM)

• Monitors and manages DHCP and DNS servers within a domain.
• Audits IP address use and tracks changes.

Server Hardware and Software

• Servers are defined by the software running on their hardware.
• Windows Server 2012/R2 is available in four editions: Datacenter, Standard, Essentials and Foundation.
• Additional services (like Minimal Server Interface, Storage Spaces, Resilient File System, IP Address Management, and Dynamic Access Control) are included.

Explore the various server functions and network services provided by Windows Server 2012/R2. This quiz covers key topics such as Active Directory, file sharing, and web hosting, detailing how these services support organizational operations. Learn how a computer serves as a server and the significance of server operating systems.