Adantages of Server Core & the Full Version of Windows 2008

Advantages of Server Core
Designed to have small footprint in the network which make it less vulnerable to Internet attacks.
Good option for system administrator who like to administrate their server using scripts instead of GUI.
For a dedicated server with a since Server Role
Servers that do not require .NET Framework
Server holds critical files where attacks can be prevented.

Advantages of Full Version
Offer a large group of GUI management tools
Allow you to install other GUI based applications
Requirement for .NET framework.
Do not require dedicated server

Windows Server 2008 Features

Server Manager

• Enables the server administrator to manager to:
• view network connection
• configure a firewall
• configure storage on a Windows 2008 Server
• configure a multitude of server roles from basic server to advance server settings
• add remove features
• run diagnostics
• manage storage and backups
• configure network connection

Security
For security Windows 2008 uses NAP. Network Access Protection is an umbrella of security protection features that monitor and manage the server and its clients.


Clustering
a group servers of linked servers working together as a single solution. They can programmed to take over the load of the servers.
Its the ability to increase the access to server resources, and provide fail-safe services by linking two or more discrete computers of systems so they appear to function as one.
Clustering is used for

• Testing
• Migrate configuration settings
• Quick configuration and troubleshooting
• Storage configuration
• Performance and reliability
• Security

Enhanced Web Services

• Comes with Internet Information Services (IIS)
• Enhanced security
• Easier application of patches
• Easier for programmers to write and configure Web applications
• Better management tools: IIS Manager

Windows Server Core

• A Minimum server configuration
• Advantages:
• No GUI overhead
• Less disk space and memory needed
• Smaller attack surface
• Interact with server via command line
• Similar to UNIX/Linux Systems

Windows Power Shell
Command-line interface that offers a shell
Perform common administration tasks
Use cmdlets
130 command line-tools
Scripting language

Virtualization

• Using Hyper-V
• Capabilities:
• Compatible with clustering
• Able to handle up to a four-processor SMP computer
• Can be used with Windows and Linux operating systems
• Compatible with different types of disk storage methods
• Enables fast migration from one computer to another
• Can house 64-bit and 32-bit operating

Reliability

• Kernel runs in privileged mode
• Core programs; computer code of operating system
• Extra level of security
• Protected processes
• Computer program or portion of program
• Protects premature interruption
• Management features:
• Server Manager
• Wizards
• Windows Reliability and Performance Monitor

Multitasking
Ability to run two or more programs at the same time

Multithreading
Capability of programs written to run several program code blocks at the same time