Server 2012 vs. Windows 7 / 8. What should a newbie choose?

Hi there!
Am here with a newbie question. Ive been running a Windows Home Server 2003 for several years, and learned alot had great use of it. But the hardware got old, and I wanted to buy a new server.
So, right now I am running my new server with Windows Server 2012 trail, and I've had quite alot of difficulties. So after getting stuck with a Certificate Autority-something, am starting to really wonder if I'd rather should use Windows 7 or 8 to run my
server. Then I dont have to understand all the extra stuff comming with the server edition, but the reason I have this is also to learn how to setup a server.
What should I do? Everyone I know who's interested in server-management is using Linux, and am allways getting stuck with hours of googling, doing stuff that learn a bunch of, but takes me way too much time.
I really wanna learn, but am getting a little fed up with getting stuck all the time.
Just to mention it, am using my server mainly for http, php, mysql and ftp service, running file-sharing over my network, and stuff like that, but really enjoy the more advanced features I had on the server 2003 that I could experiment with.
What do you think?

Hi atomprompen,
Besides the suggestion of using Windows 8 Professional, you may also consider to use Windows Server 2012 Essentials.
Windows Server 2012 Essentials is the latest version of Windows Small Business Server. Windows Server 2012 Essentials is a flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use server solution designed and priced for small businesses with up to 25 uses and 50 devices that
helps them reduce costs and be more productive.
Also, Windows Home Server has seen its greatest success in small office/home office (SOHO) environments and among the technology enthusiast community. For this reason, Microsoft is combining the features that were previously only found in Windows
Home Server, such as support for DLNA-compliant devices and media streaming, into
Windows Server 2012 Essentials and focusing our efforts into making Windows Server 2012 Essentials the ideal first server operating system for both small business and home use—offering an intuitive administration experience, elastic and resilient
storage features with Storage Spaces, and robust data protection for the server and client computers.
For more details, please refer to
Windows Server 2012 Essentials FAQ.
We can also download
Windows Server 2012 Essentials trial to evaluate it.
More information:
Windows Server 2012 Essentials Homepage
Windows Server 2012 Essentials
Hosted Windows Server 2012 Essentials
Hope this helps.
Jeremy Wu
TechNet Community Support

Similar Messages

  • Since I downloaded Apple's latest operating system, whenever I try to open Illustrator I get a message that I need to install legacy Java SE6 runtime and to click "more info" to do this. When I click "more info" I get a blank window. What should I do

    Since I downloaded Apple's latest operating system, whenever I try to open Illustrator I get a message that I need to install legacy Java SE6 runtime and to click "more info" to do this. When I click "more info" I get a blank window. What should I do

    Hi,
    I had the same problem after upgrading to Yosemite. Illustrator CS6 wouldn't open. I got a message saying I should 'install legacy Java SE6 runtime'.
    The link didn't work - it lead to a blank page.
    So I downloaded Java8 (latest version) from Oracle but didn't install it. Something told me this was not the right way to go (the problem was with Java SE6, not 8). I then called Apple (in the Netherlands, were I live) for help. I got none. The best they could do was blaming Adobe for the problem or me, for not having the latest Adobe CC app. Rubbish.
    And then, magic. I tried to open Illustrator again, got the pop up message but this time the link worked. It took me to an official Apple page, with a link to download Java for OS X 2014-001. The problem is now solved.
    If curious, this is the explanation Apple gives for the problem:
    'Java for OS X 2014-001 includes installation improvements, and supersedes all previous versions of Java for OS X. This package installs the same version of Java 6 included in Java for OS X 2013-005. On systems that have not already installed Java for OS X 2012-006 or later, this update disables the Java SE 6 applet plug-in. To use applets on a web page, click on the region labeled 'missing plug-in' to download the latest version of the Java applet plug-in from Oracle.'
    See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6133 for more details about this update.
    See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222 for information about the security content of this update.

  • Server 2008 R2 with WSUS need to specify location for Feature install for Server 2012 and Windows 8

    Having a problem where we need to add .net 3.5, amongst other things, in server 2012 and windows 8.1.  We're using WSUS on server 2008 R2, so when I go to add roles or features, I'm not able to as it tries to use Windows Update but it's set to use WSUS.
    I'm aware in server 2012 gpo's that you enable the policy 'specify settings for optional component installation and component repair' in Administrative Templates>System, however that setting is not available in Server 2008 R2.
    I've downloaded the templates from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36991 but the setting is still not there.
    Any suggestions on how to do this/allow feature install with Server 2008 R2?

    Hi,
    To upgrade the Administrative Templates, please run the downloaded msi file, then copy the needed admx files and adml files to the PolicyDefinitions folder.
    For detailed information, please refer to the link below,
    Managing Group Policy ADMX Files Step-by-Step Guide
    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc709647(v=WS.10).aspx
    Best Regards.
    Steven Lee Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

  • Connect SQL Server 2012 from Windows Server 2003 with native client 9.0

    Hi,
    I currently have a setup where ETL tool Ab Intio, running on a Linux server, connects to the SQL Server 2005 through a passthrough Wintel server with Windows Server 2003 OS using SQL server native client 9.0
    Now I have the requirement to upgrade the SQL server from 2005 to 2012.
    My question is, will it be possible to connect to SQL server 2012 through Windows Server 2003 with native client 9.0?
    As per the specs, I need native client 11.0+ to fully support SQL Server 2012, but then, as per specs, native client 11.0 doesnot run on Windows server 2003. OS upgradation is currently not on the cards.
    So will it be possible to the run the basic queries we use currently, if we can connect SQL server 2012 through Windows Server 2003 with native client 9.0/10.0, without updgrading the OS of the Wintel server?
    Thanking you in advance! 

    Hi Soumya,
    Yes, you can use the SQL Server Native Client shipped with SQL Server 2005 to connect to a SQL Server 2012 instance, and there is no need to upgrade the operating system.
    Regards,
    Mike Yin
    TechNet Community Support

  • I can't see my links in the Links window. What should I do?

    I've upgraded all my Adobe programs to the new CC version.
    After few days something happened to the Links window in Illustrator.
    Even if my file contains images they are not appear in the Link window. What should I do?
    Thanks

    I had this problem.
    Check that you are signed into icloud (see system preferences/ icloud) and itunes with the same account (I am not sure itunes really matters).
    Then you need to be signed into icloud on your device using the same user name/ password. It worked for me.
    I have ended up with two accounts and there's nothing I can do about it now. get them muddled and it wont sync.
    I totally forgot how many places I have to be signed in. I wasn't finding much help on these boards but it did set me investigating my settings.

  • Is there a 32 Bit edition available for windows server 2012 and windows server 2008

    Dear All,
    Is there a 32 Bit edition available for windows server 2012 and windows server 2008?
    Regards,
    Ahmed

    Hi,
    Quote：
    All editions of Windows Server 2008 R2 are 64-bit only.
    Reference link below(session Supported upgrade paths):
    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd379511(v=ws.10).aspx
    And based on MS official description about system requirement for Windows Server 2012/2012 R2, we may find out that they only has 64 bit OS.
    Best Regards,
    Eve Wang
    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

  • Hi i am a pc turned mac gamer now i just want my games on my mac but my mac pro 13 cant support windows applications what should i do

    hi i am a pc turned mac gamer now i just want my games on my mac but my mac pro 13 cant support windows applications what should i do

    Install Windows, in Boot Camp.

  • My Server 2012 R2 Windows Phone App now available!

    Hi, All,
    Greetings!  I am very pleased to announce that the My Server 2012 R2 Windows Phone App
    has been published to
    Windows Phone Store. This version is targeted to work with the new released Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials and the Windows Server Essentials Experience server role in Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard & Datacenter. To
    try out the new version, search ‘My Server 2012 R2’ from your windows phone and install it. Let team know if you have any feedback on this app.
    Thanks,
    Windows Server Essentials Team

    Great option guys! Now I can REALLY centralize my media without reliance on third party products.
    For Phone App, it's great to have it but it seems to be lacking in UX. i.e. there is no option to start slideshow or even go from one photo to next in the list. It's very inconvenient to go from one photo to next by backing out to the list and clicking on
    next photo.
    Another feature I would love to have is integration on Photo/Video/Music hub. That way I don't have to explicitly launch app to access my music/photo/videos.
    Keep up good work and I hope to see much more functionality and tighter integration in future updates.
    Bhargav Shukla | Director Product Research & Innovation | Exchange Server TechCenter | Microsoft
    Exchange Team Blog |
    My Threads | My Blog

  • Need help installing sql server 2012 on windows server 2012 core

    Hi Guys 
    I am having trouble installing sql server 2012 on windows server 2012 core. I am doing this on VM and my VM is not connected to internet. 
    This setup is part of preparing lab for sql serve exam 70-462. I would really appreciate your help.
    I am including the links to the log files that were generated after installation. There are following 2 files
    Component Update and
    Detail_Global_Rules
    Thanks

    Hi
    iworkonline,
    Regarding to your original question, you can work around it according to Prashanth’s post or unclick the “Include SQL Server Product Updates" checkbox when installing SQL Server on your VM.
    Regarding to your second question, I make a test using TechNet Virtual Lab and everything works as expected . Below are my steps.
    1. Choose Web client after laughing the Lab.
    2. Choose SQLONE machine and “OPEN CHARMS” as follows, then search SQL Server Management Studio, use it to connect to the default instance (which has been installed in the lab).
    From your description, you get error message “Device not ready”. Could you please post more details? Are you installing SQL Server 2012 on the TechNet Virtual Lab?
    Thanks,
    Lydia Zhang
    If you have any feedback on our support, please click
    here.
    Lydia Zhang
    TechNet Community Support

  • I have download the latest update of ios(6.1.2), but my iphone 4 isn't updating, every time it says server down try again later,what should I do?

    I have download the latest update of ios(6.1.2), but my iphone 4 isn't updating, every time it says apple server down try again later,what should I do?

    Nope, it wasn't hacked/jailbroken, this is the first time I'm having this problem.....

  • HT1414 my ipad 2 is in recovery mode but when i start up itunes and press restore itunes stops working and the window closes, what should i do?

    my ipad 2 is in recovery mode when i plug it into itunes and my comuter to restore it itunes stops working and the window close, what should i do i really need my ipad if anyone knows how to fix it i would really apreciate the help.

    I assume that you mean that the iTunes window closes. Quit iTunes, reboot your PC and try again. The iTunes software might be corrupt and it may require reinstalling iTunes on your computer.

  • I bought fifa 2012, while I sync with ipod touch 4g the progress bar more than half, after that my ipod says "the trasferiment fifa 2012 has failed." What should I do?

    I bought fifa 2012, while i sync with ipod the progress bar more then half,after my ipod says " the trasferment of fifa 2012 has failed". What should i do?

    - Try directly downloading it on the iPod. To not get charged again see:
    Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store
    - You can also delete it form iTunes and then redownload (see link above) and try resyncing.

  • HT4972 When I tried to update my iOS 4 ipad to iOS 6, it doesn't work but only say that the ipad software update server cannot be contacted. What should I do?

    When I tried to update my iOS 4 ipad to iOS 6, it doesn't work but only say that the ipad software update server cannot be contacted. What should I do?

    Hi Ruby,
    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
    You may find the troubleshooting steps in this article helpful for troubleshooting the connection issue you're seeing:
    Can't connect to the iTunes Store
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1368
    Regards,
    Jeremy

  • 1. Will CAL Licenses works if i use Windows Server 2012? 2. What GB of RAM can be used with Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition?

    I have been using Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition for my business purpose and there are at-least 30 Users who logged in into the server Via Remotely from different location. I want to upgrade my server with latest one with some extra cores and RAM for
    better and smooth operations for all users. So, i have a doubt whether my CAL Licenses will works with Windows Server 2012 or i need to purchase the new one for the same? 
    Moreover, if i don't upgrade my Windows to any 2012 edition and stay on 2008 Standard Edition how much maximum RAM can be installed at a time? is there any limitations? if Yes, please let me know how do i upgrade my Windows 2008 Standard Edition to any other
    business edition to avoid such limitations of RAM?
    Waiting for your favorable and quick response. 

    Hi again,
    th eupgrade optiuon from Standard 2008 to Enterprise 2008 was only available for customers with open value contract with activ esoftware assurance then they can purchase the step up license from Standard to Enterprise.
    the only way to have the Enterprise 2008 Edition is to make th edowngrad efrom 2012 Standard to 2008 Enterprise. it means that if you purchase the 2012 R2 Standard Edition, you may downgarde to Enterprise 2008/2008 R2. th ebest way to make the downgrade
    to 2008 R2 Enterprise is to purchase the current Version 2012 R2 Standard in volume licensing than you can download diretly from VLSC the Enterprise Edition.
    with your downgrade you can still using the 2008 CALs.
    thanks
    diramoh

  • Windows server 2012 and windows xp remote desktop connection loss

    I am having this problem for a month now, and i am stumped with trying to find an answer . I have talked with several network admins in my area and with no luck i have not found a solution. I have a windows server 2012 placed with 5 pcs that are connected
    on a local network , those 5 pc's connect to the server via remote desktop. List of pc's:
    1x Windows 7
    4x Windows XP SP3
    All have the latests network drivers, all have the latest version of remote desktop installed. All have been scanned for viruses. All have antivirus software.
    Problem is the 4 XP machines lose connection on when connected via remote desktop. If one starts losing connection the other 3 start to lose the connection aswell. The windows 7 machine is not affected by this it works fine.
    What have I tried:
    Scanning for viruses.
    Disabling Firewall and antivirus software.
    Updating all drivers.
    Did many changes to group policy like keepalives etc.
    Turning off SMBv2 SMBv3.
    Turning off network adapter Offload settings.
    Changed some registry settings like keepalive, smb etc.
    Updating every pc and server with all windows updates.
    Changed the router and switch.
    Port forwarded needed ports like 3389.
    Updating remote desktop to 7.0.
    I might be forgetting some stuff i will add as i remember anything.
    So the thing is this. I use a Windows XP machine from my office I remotely connect to the server via the Internet and I DO NOT experience any connection loss. BUT the XP machines on the local network constantly experience connection loss via remote desktop.
    I pinged every Machine from the server via CMD command PING. So when they lose connection the Packets get time outs . Packets get dropped between 1-10 packets when a connection is lost. This packet drop does not occur when using the internet or anything else.
    ONLY when connected to the server via remote desktop. The packets get dropped at random intervals.
    Problem is I use an XP machine and I am not experiencing any loss of connection , while the XP machines on the local network experience it , but not the windows 7 machine.
    Router is ASUS RT-N53 , and switch is Dlink DES-1008D. Server is a Dell PowerEdge T110 II.
    Can someone please tell me what can i do to solve this problem?

    So today got some word from their office. They were using RDP from 8AM until 12PM all was working fine. Then got back after lunch about 1PM and got a few connection lost errors when they tried using RDP again. Its weird since they didn't have disconnects
    in the morning, and started having them after lunch.
    Also noticed, that two pc were not using RDP and were disconnected as shown in task manager. And they still got request timeouts.
    Maybe this is not a remote desktop issue?
    TASK MANAGER
    The 2 disconnected pc's ping screens:

Maybe you are looking for

  • Schedule Lines not confirmed

    Hi SAP experts Can somebody tell me as to why schedule lines for a material is not confirmed for a material while creating a sales order. I tried creating an order for two materials and since one of the material does not have confirmed schedule lines

  • Question about Using Playlists

    You know how when you create a new playlist, iTunes shows you this large playlist editor to the right of the "Songs" view?   When you're done it closes. What I'm trying to figure out is to how to open an existing playlist over there.  I only ever see

  • I can seem to get into making a book on iphotos

    Hello everyone was wondering if anyone know why I can"t buy a book on my Iphotos. I can't even regestir to buy. thanks

  • Adding a column to Tcode F-03 ( Points will be awarded)

    can some one please help me solve this query as its urgent..... I want to add a new column to the standard table control of the Tcode F-03  ......i could not find a solution to this any where...... Points will surely be awarded...

  • Distribution flash player

    bonjour, j'ai un probleme sur le flash player msi 10.0 ou 10.1, si je l'installe sur un pc qui n'est pas autorisé à aller sur le net, il me fige Internet Explorer! j'en ai besoin car des pc ont accès à l'intranet mais pas internet! j'ai bien choisi l