Windows Server

Windows_Server_wordmark

Windows Server is a brand name for a group of server operating systems released by Microsoft. It includes all Windows operating systems that are branded "Windows Server", but not any other Microsoft product. The first Windows server edition to be released under that brand was Windows Server 2003. However, the first server edition of Windows was Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server, followed by Windows NT 3.5 Server, Windows NT 4.0 Server, and Windows 2000 Server.

History

The Windows Server family started with the release of Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server in 1993. This was followed by Windows NT 3.5 Server in 1994, and Windows NT 4.0 Server in 1996. The first version to use the "Windows Server" brand was Windows Server 2003, which was released in April 2003. Subsequent versions include Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019. The latest version is Windows Server 2022, released in August 2021.

Features

Windows Server includes a variety of features designed to support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications. Key features include:

• Active Directory: A directory service for Windows domain networks.
• Hyper-V: A native hypervisor for running virtual machines.
• Internet Information Services (IIS): A web server for hosting websites and applications.
• Failover Clustering: Provides high availability for applications and services.
• Windows PowerShell: A task automation and configuration management framework.
• Remote Desktop Services: Allows users to remotely access graphical desktops and Windows applications.

Editions

Windows Server is available in several editions, each tailored to different sizes and types of organizations. Common editions include:

• Standard Edition: Designed for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Datacenter Edition: Designed for large-scale virtualization and cloud environments.
• Essentials Edition: Aimed at small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices.
• Foundation Edition: A basic, entry-level server edition.

Deployment

Windows Server can be deployed in various environments, including on-premises, in virtualized environments, and in the cloud. It supports integration with Microsoft Azure for hybrid cloud scenarios.

Security

Security features in Windows Server include:

• Windows Defender: Built-in antivirus and anti-malware protection.
• BitLocker: Drive encryption to protect data.
• Windows Firewall: A host-based firewall.
• Just Enough Administration (JEA): Limits administrative privileges to reduce security risks.

Related Pages

• Microsoft Windows
• Windows NT
• Microsoft Azure
• Active Directory
• Hyper-V
• Internet Information Services
• Windows PowerShell
• Remote Desktop Services

See Also

• Comparison of Microsoft Windows versions
• List of Microsoft Windows versions
• Server (computing)