Exploring Windows Server: Unveiling the Unseen Realm of Operating Systems

Let's dive into the distinctions between Windows Server and regular Windows. Discover what makes up Windows Server and why these two operating systems differ.

Demystifying Windows Server: What Sets It Apart from the Ordinary Windows OS
 

1. Understanding Windows Server

Windows Server is Microsoft's operating system tailored for businesses and organizations.

In essence, Windows Server is an operating system line specially crafted by Microsoft for server usage. This means, in most cases, Windows Server finds its application in enterprise setups.

Microsoft has unveiled its operating system under that name since the release of Windows Server 2003 in April 2003. However, even before that, server editions of Windows were available. For instance, Windows NT 4.0 was available for both workstations (shared use) and servers.

In most cases, regular users don't need to concern themselves with Windows Server. You might spot it on the shelf in stores or inadvertently download it from Microsoft when you want the standard edition, but learning about Windows Server can still provide you with useful insights.

At a glance, you might not discern the difference between Windows Server and regular Windows editions. Computers look alike, featuring the taskbar, computer icon, and Start button.

As it turns out, every release of Windows Server corresponds to a consumer-oriented Windows version. For instance, Windows Server 2003 is the server edition of Windows XP. Current versions include Windows Server 2016, based on Windows 10 Anniversary Update, and Windows Server 2019.

Because Windows Server and Windows share a codebase, you can perform many similar functions on both. You can download and install programs like web browsers and photo editors on Windows Server, just like many basic Windows utilities such as Notepad are also included in Windows Server. However, the two versions have more differences than similarities.

3. Enterprise Management Software in Windows Server

Windows Server features enterprise management software.

Because Windows Server is designed for businesses, it includes a plethora of enterprise management software. Here are some roles that servers can perform with these tools:

- Active Directory: It's a user management service allowing the server to act as a domain controller. Instead of logging into a local computer, the domain controller handles all user account authentication.

- DHCP: DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is a protocol that enables the server to automatically assign IP addresses to all devices on the network. At home, your router may handle this issue, but in a business environment, IT professionals leverage the DHCP functionality in Windows Server.

- File and Storage: Windows Server functions as a server to manage files and storage for your company. This allows you to keep important data centrally located and set permissions for access control.

- Print Services: In a business with dozens of printers throughout the building, IT professionals would waste considerable time configuring each new workstation individually. Setting up a print server with Windows Server can allow them to connect printers to computers and streamline redundant tasks.

- Windows Update Services: Typically, businesses prefer not to update Windows frequently. By configuring a server as a Windows Update controller, you can route all workstation updates through that server and configure specific rules for their operation.

These are just a few of the server roles that Windows Server can handle. Usually, a company will have multiple servers and distribute roles across several devices.

Standard copies of Windows don't include these capabilities. You can install some third-party tools to replicate some functions.

4. Windows Server Boasts Superior Hardware Capabilities

Windows Server supports a maximum RAM capacity of up to 24TB.

Most people don't worry about maximum RAM capacity in their computers. Windows 10 Pro allows you to install up to a whopping 2TB of RAM. However, the majority of users don't need more than 32GB of RAM in their systems, so installing 1TB of RAM would be unnecessary.

But did you know that Windows Server supports up to 24TB of RAM? It also allows you to utilize a maximum of 64 CPU sockets, significantly more than the 2 sockets supported by Windows 10 Pro.

A server can serve hundreds of users in a business, so it needs to be extremely powerful. For example, a server that allows running dozens of virtual machines requires a substantial amount of RAM to keep them all running smoothly at the same time.

5. Windows Server Excludes Extraneous Features

Windows Server lacks extraneous features found in Windows 10.

While Windows Server retains user-friendly features like Command Prompt and other management tools, it simultaneously eliminates many features included in Windows 10.

For instance, in Windows Server 2016 and 2019, you won't find Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Store, Cortana, and other convenient features of Windows 10. Additionally, Windows Server lacks Your Phone app, and you cannot activate Linux terminal devices on the server. Its operating system doesn't allow you to log in with a Microsoft account. Designed for business use, Windows Server doesn't require direct user interaction tools.

Moreover, some applications will check if you're using Windows Server before allowing installation. In certain cases, apps won't operate on the server version of Windows.

Windows Server is also more limited by default. It uses Internet Explorer as the default browser, with significantly restricted security settings, as a compromised server could lead to catastrophe.

6. Windows Server Comes with a High Price Tag

The pricing of Windows Server is higher compared to the regular Windows version.

As a product targeted at enterprises, Windows Server comes with a hefty price tag. It is much more expensive than the consumer-oriented Windows version and offers various editions depending on your needs.

Microsoft's Windows Server 2019 pricing page provides information on the software's cost, depending on the number of users accessing the server. Additionally, you also need to pay for Client Access Licenses (CALs) to use the services legally.

Businesses often install Windows Server on an on-premises server, which has much more powerful hardware than a workstation, as discussed above. However, you also have the option to run Windows Server in the Microsoft Azure cloud computing service. This choice allows you to alleviate the burden of maintaining physical servers. Moreover, companies can allocate upgrade costs through a subscription instead of paying all at once for a new server.

In general, although Windows Server and regular Windows share a common codebase and look alike, they serve entirely different purposes.

Consumer versions of Windows 10 are designed to be user-friendly and exclude software for businesses. On the other hand, Windows Server doesn't concern itself with aesthetics; its purpose is to run numerous reliable services that companies require. Additionally, you can explore more about What is Windows 10X [here].