Liquid Web Businesses need servers to manage services, data, and devices. To manage server-side functions, like access and data storage, business owners and administrators use server operating systems.
Windows Server is among the most common server operating systems used today. It resembles the everyday version of Windows that most users are familiar with but is built to meet server needs.
In this article, we’ll explain the definition of Windows Server, its core features and benefits, and how it differs from Windows desktop OS.
Table of contents
- What is Windows Server?
- The difference between Windows Server and Windows
- Key features and functions
- The benefits of Windows Server
- Simplify Windows hosting with Liquid Web
What is Windows Server?
Windows Server is a group of operating systems by Microsoft specifically built for servers. It supports enterprise-level management as well as small and medium-sized businesses, data storage, applications, and communications. It’s an advanced server-side operating system that enables different computers and devices on a company’s computer network to communicate and share resources.
Windows Server supports many business use cases, including web and application hosting, file storage, virtual desktop infrastructures, and more.
Windows Server began with Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server in 1993. Over the years, this product has evolved to support modern enterprise needs, with popular editions including Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2016, and 2019. Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of the operating system.
Microsoft offers three editions of Windows Server.
- Datacenter: This includes highly virtualized cloud environments and data centers for enterprise use.
- Standard: This is suitable for physical or minimally virtualized infrastructures.
- Essentials: This supports up to 25 users and 50 devices, which is ideal for small businesses.
The difference between Windows Server and Windows
As of February 2024, Microsoft Windows has a market share of around 72 percent, making it the most dominant desktop operating system (OS) worldwide.
Given its prevalence, business owners unfamiliar with Windows Server OS may confuse it with Windows OS for personal desktops. However, there are six key differences between the two operating systems.
1. Use case
Windows Server is used for server management. It helps manage networks, host databases, and run enterprise applications. It supports multiple simultaneous users and handles complex, server-specific tasks.
Windows OS is primarily used for personal or office computing for tasks like web browsing, media consumption, and document editing.
2. Services and roles
Windows Server includes advanced management features for handling corporate networks, databases, applications, user roles, and security policies. Windows OS has basic networking capabilities and lacks additional server management features.
3. Performance
Windows Server is optimized for high performance in multi-user environments. It can efficiently handle large-scale computing tasks and network loads, and it supports higher-end server hardware. Windows Server also enables IT administrators to run and manage multiple systems on a shared network.
Windows OS is built to provide a good user experience for single users who can use it for personal or professional tasks.
4. User interface
Windows Server can be configured to have a minimal graphical user interface (GUI) — the visual system that helps users navigate their system. This reduces system overhead and enhances security. The Server edition of Windows does not have consumer-facing bundled applications and features used in Windows OS, like the Microsoft Store or Cortana.
Most Windows Server configurations also require specific login credentials rather than signing in with your Microsoft account. Windows OS typically features a rich GUI with extensive support for multimedia and user-friendly interactions, making it suitable for daily personal use.
5. Hardware
Windows is designed to run efficiently on consumer-grade hardware, including PCs and laptops. By contrast, Windows Server supports and requires more powerful and robust hardware. It can run on servers with multiple CPUs and has the extensive memory capacity to manage heavy workloads and large numbers of simultaneous users.
6. Cost
Windows Server has custom pricing based on advanced features, scalability options, and licenses for users and devices. Pricing ranges from $501 for the Essentials edition to $6,155 for the Datacenter edition.
Windows is a one-time purchase and is often already installed on consumer computers. Users can buy the latest version, Windows 11 Pro, for $199.99.
Key features and functions
Windows Server caters to the diverse needs of modern enterprises and helps them manage their IT infrastructure through a few core features.
Active Directory (AD)
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that enables centralized domain management. It provides a single point for administrators to manage network resources, user accounts, passwords, and security settings.
AD simplifies user and resource management by allowing controlled access to resources, automated user setups, and detailed policy enforcement. AD also supports LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and Kerberos-based authentication, making it a secure and scalable solution for handling thousands of user identities.
For example, a company can use AD to automate the setup of new employee workstations, enforce security policies across all computers in the network, and manage user access to network resources efficiently.
Internet Information Services (IIS)
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a flexible and scalable web server that supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS, SMTP, and NNTP. It provides secure, manageable, and extensible web server capabilities, enabling businesses to host their websites.
A real-world scenario could involve an ecommerce business that uses IIS to securely handle millions of transactions and provide a responsive customer experience through a scalable web architecture.
IIS includes detailed features for authentication, SSL management, URL rewriting, and media streaming. It suits businesses that need a reliable platform for web applications, including .NET and ASP.NET applications, which benefit from its seamless integration with Windows Server.
Hyper-V
Windows Server allows administrators to create and manage virtualized computing environments. Using Hyper-V, businesses can create multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server, optimizing hardware usage and reducing costs.
For instance, a software development company could use Hyper-V to run multiple test environments simultaneously on a single server, facilitating efficient testing of new software across different operating systems without additional hardware.
Virtualization with Hyper-V is also helpful in scenarios such as server consolidation, development and testing environments, and disaster recovery. It supports creating virtual hard disks, networks, and machines and offers live migration of virtual machines without downtime.
Windows PowerShell
PowerShell is an advanced configuration management program by Microsoft. It is a command-line shell integrated with a scripting language (high-level programming language).
System administrators can use PowerShell to automate complex administrative tasks, manage configurations, and streamline workflows across both local and remote devices. It is also integral for batch processing tasks.
For example, a system admin can deploy security updates across all computers in the organization without manually intervening on each machine.
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) helps enterprises install the latest Microsoft product and security updates. Network administrators can centrally manage the distribution of updates and hotfixes, reducing network bandwidth. They can also deploy critical updates without accessing the internet.
WSUS is a scalable and controllable update management system that is important for maintaining system security and functionality.
Server Manager
Server Manager is a management console that aggregates multiple server roles and features within a Windows Server environment. Administrators get a unified view of servers’ status and the tools to manage them on a single dashboard.
In practice, this could help a small IT team distribute and manage server roles efficiently, such as setting up a new file server or configuring remote access for employees without needing extensive command-line interactions.
File and storage services
Windows Server also has services that enhance data storage efficiency, such as Storage Spaces for pooling storage resources and data deduplication, which optimizes free space.
A company might use these services to configure robust data backup solutions that ensure business continuity in case of hardware failure or data corruption.
It also supports advanced file system protocols like NFS and SMB, which provide fast and secure file-sharing capabilities across different operating systems.
Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
Microsoft Management Console (MMC) provides a standardized interface for hosting management applications. It’s used to create, save, and open administrative tools, each of which manages hardware, software, or network components. It also supports the creation of customized consoles, which can contain both locally and remotely administered utilities.
For example, an IT specialist can use MMC to oversee security policies, monitor system performance, and troubleshoot issues within the network from a centralized location.
Security
Windows Server includes integrated firewall protection and advanced security measures, like BitLocker encryption and dynamic role-based access control, to protect data. The server platform also supports software-defined networking, which helps automate and secure network operations.
For example, a financial institution can use these security features to protect sensitive customer data and comply with financial regulations, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) allows users to access applications and desktops hosted on a server remotely. This feature supports various deployment configurations so businesses can deliver secure virtual desktop experiences to users, regardless of their location. RDS enables efficient remote and hybrid work environments.
The benefits of Windows Server
Windows Server is the preferred server OS for many businesses because it provides four key benefits.
Seamless integration with Microsoft products
Windows Server integrates with a wide array of Microsoft products and services, which is a major advantage for organizations using the Microsoft ecosystem. This includes compatibility with Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange, and Microsoft Dynamics.
For enterprises that rely on Azure for cloud services, integration with Windows Server provides easy management of hybrid environments that include on-premises and cloud resources. This reduces compatibility issues and simplifies the management of IT resources, leading to increased productivity and reduced IT overhead.
User-friendly interface
Because the Windows operating system is adopted worldwide, millions of users are already familiar with its GUI. Since the user experience can be consistent across personal and server versions of Windows, Windows Server is more user-friendly. As a result, there is a smaller learning curve for new administrators and users.
The GUI of Windows Server makes complex server management tasks more accessible to non-specialists and helps perform sophisticated operations without deep command-line knowledge. This can lead to faster deployment and simplified server infrastructure management.
Robust security
Windows Server excels in providing a secure environment. It includes built-in features such as Windows Defender for malware protection, advanced firewall settings to block unauthorized access, and BitLocker for drive encryption. The operating system also has an Active Directory for identity management and access controls.
Windows Server is also regularly updated to address emerging security threats, helping organizations protect their data against the latest vulnerabilities and attacks.
Extensive support and resources
Microsoft provides robust support for Windows Server through its comprehensive documentation, regular software updates, and a global network of Microsoft-certified professionals.
This ecosystem includes extensive training materials, user forums, professional courses, and direct support from Microsoft.
Third-party tools and applications have also been developed specifically for Windows environments to enhance functionality and manageability. This rich support network is invaluable for resolving technical issues quickly, ensuring that enterprises can maintain high uptime and reliability.
Simplify Windows hosting with Liquid Web
Whether you’re running enterprise applications, managing large-scale data centers, or supporting cloud-based environments, Windows Server can be used to manage dynamic server-side demands.
Liquid Web offers on-demand, customizable, and fully managed Windows hosting solutions that can support projects of all sizes seamlessly. Our highly trained staff can help you set up Windows Server and proactively manage your web infrastructure, security, migrations, and upgrades.