Windows Server 2012 R2 has a number of new and improved features and capabilities that cover aspects such as server virtualization, data storage, software-configurable networking, server management and automation, web and application platform, access and information security, virtual desktop infrastructure and more.
Windows Server 2012 is a server operating system from Microsoft released on September 4, 2012. The operating system is based on Windows 8 and has a new Metro interface, as well as new features and improvements, compared to the previous version of Windows Server 2008. Unlike the previous server version, Windows Server 2012 has only 64-bit versions.
Windows Server 2012 provides new opportunities of server virtualization, work with storage and networks, process automation and other features. Renewed Server Manager supports remote management of multiple servers and their easy configuration. The new ReFS file system has increased reliability and fault tolerance. Also, the system includes new more functional versions of Hyper-V, Active Directory and IIS.
Compared to the previous version of Windows Server 2008, the new edition received a huge number of changes. Windows Server 2012 added support for over 2,000 new Windows PowerShell cmdlets, redesigned the Task Manager, and included support for Hyper-V 3.0. The file system was also changed. Instead of traditional NTFS, the new “operating system” uses ReFS, which is, in fact, a logical development of the previously used file system. ReFS supports reuse points, character references and mount points.
Naturally, when developing Windows Server 2012 Microsoft could not but think about security. The new operating system added Dynamic Access Control service, which serves to increase centralized security at the file domain level. Improvements have also been made to the Active Directory service.
Now for other important improvements that will make life a lot easier for system administrators. Windows Server 2012 got a flexible SAS management system, the ability to clone a virtual machine without preinstalling the host, even tighter integration with Windows Azure, a new role for IP4/IP6 address space management, and an updated Modern UI GUI. Traditionally, the maximum aggregate storage capacity supported increased to 64 terabytes.
Windows Server 2012 is distributed in four editions: Datacenter, Foundation, Standard and Essentials and offers users quite a long trial period.
Key features and functions
- The ability to manage a large number of data stores through the SAS interface;
- Dynamic Access Control service, which performs functions to improve protection at the file domain level;
- support for Hyper-V 3.0;
- new ReFS file system;
- the ability to use a single VHDX with multiple virtual machines;
- easy use of VPN for corporate clients;
- updated task manager;
- new graphical shell Modern UI;
- tight integration with Windows Azure.
Updated version of Windows Server 2012 R2, released on October 18, 2013, is based on Windows 8.1 and received various improvements, including UEFI-based virtual machines, tiered disk space, VHD deduplication and other improvements.
The Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 operating system comes in four editions, the main difference of which is the number of processors and users supported, as well as the ability to use virtualization.
Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 editions
- Foundation is the basic version of the system for single-processor servers. Up to 15 users can be created. Virtualization is not available.
- Essentials – version for servers with one or two processors. Creation of up to 25 users is available. Virtualization is not available.
- Standard – version with two virtual machines. It supports up to 64 processors and an unlimited number of users.
- Datacenter – the most complete version with unlimited virtualization capabilities. It supports up to 64 processors and an unlimited number of users.
Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 Support Timeline
- Basic support: until October 9, 2018.
- Extended support: until October 10, 2023.
System requirements
- 64-bit 1.4 GHz processor;
- 512 MB of RAM;
- 32 GB of free hard disk space;
- Super VGA screen with a resolution of 800 x 600 or higher.
Summary
Windows Server 2012 R2 is a solid and reliable operating system that offers a wide range of features and capabilities for businesses and organizations. It provides a stable and secure platform for running applications and services, with improved support for virtualization and cloud computing.
The improved Storage Spaces feature allows for better data management and the redesigned Server Manager provides an easier way to manage servers. Overall, Windows Server 2012 R2 is a great choice for businesses looking for a powerful and reliable server operating system.