Windows Server 2008 R2 is a server operating system that was released by Microsoft in 2009. It is the
successor to Windows Server 2008 and the predecessor to Windows Server 2012. Windows Server 2008
R2 is a 64-bit operating system and is built on the Windows NT 6.1 kernel.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is designed to be a powerful and reliable server operating system for small and
medium-sized businesses, as well as for large enterprises. It provides a wide range of features and
capabilities that are designed to help organizations improve their IT infrastructure and provide better
services to their customers.
Some of the key features and benefits of Windows Server 2008 R2 include:
Improved scalability and reliability - Windows Server 2008 R2 is designed to be highly scalable and
reliable, which means that it can handle large workloads and is less likely to experience downtime.
Enhanced security - Windows Server 2008 R2 includes a range of security features, including Active
Directory Rights Management Services, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and Network Access Protection,
which help to protect data and ensure that only authorized users can access it.
Better virtualization capabilities - Windows Server 2008 R2 includes Hyper-V, which is Microsoft's
virtualization platform. Hyper-V enables organizations to run multiple virtual machines on a single
physical server, which can help to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of IT operations.
Improved management tools - Windows Server 2008 R2 includes a range of management tools,
including Server Manager, which provides a centralized view of all servers and their roles and features.
Overall, Windows Server 2008 R2 is a powerful and reliable server operating system that provides a wide
range of features and capabilities. It is designed to help organizations improve their IT infrastructure and
provide better services to their customers.
Windows Server and Windows Desktop operating systems have a number of differences, even though
they are both developed by Microsoft. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
Purpose - The main purpose of a Windows Desktop operating system is to provide a user-friendly
interface for users to interact with their personal computers. On the other hand, a Windows Server
operating system is designed to provide a platform for running server applications and services that can
be accessed by multiple users.
Hardware Requirements - Windows Server operating systems have more stringent hardware
requirements than Windows Desktop operating systems. This is because servers typically require more
processing power, memory, and storage to handle the workload they are designed for.
Security - Windows Server operating systems are typically more secure than Windows Desktop
operating systems. This is because they are designed to handle sensitive data and are used in corporate
environments where security is a top priority. As a result, Windows Server operating systems come with
a range of security features, such as Active Directory, that help to protect data and ensure that only
authorized users can access it.
Management - Windows Server operating systems are typically more complex to manage than Windows
Desktop operating systems. This is because they are designed to handle multiple users and applications,
and require more in-depth management tools to ensure that they are running optimally.
Licensing - Windows Server operating systems require separate licensing from Windows Desktop
operating systems. This is because servers are typically used in corporate environments where multiple
users are accessing them, whereas desktop operating systems are typically used by a single user.
Overall, the differences between Windows Server and Windows Desktop operating systems are
significant. It's important to understand these differences in order to make informed decisions about
which operating system to use for different purposes.
Quiz:
What is Windows Server 2008 R2?
a. A server operating system released by Microsoft in 2009
b. A desktop operating system designed for personal computers
c. A mobile operating system designed for smartphones and tablets
d. None of the above
What are some of the key features and benefits of Windows Server 2008 R2?
a. Improved scalability and reliability
b. Enhanced security
c. Better virtualization capabilities
d. All of the above
How is Windows Server 2008 R2 different from Windows Desktop operating systems?
a. Windows Server is designed for running server applications and services
b. Windows Desktop is designed to provide a user-friendly interface for personal computers
c. Windows Server has more stringent hardware requirements
d. All of the above
What are some of the security features included in Windows Server 2008 R2?
a. Active Directory Rights Management Services
b. BitLocker Drive Encryption
c. Network Access Protection
d. All of the above
Why is Windows Server 2008 R2 a popular choice for businesses?
a. It is designed to improve IT infrastructure and provide better services to customers
b. It has better management tools and improved scalability and reliability
c. It provides enhanced security and better virtualization capabilities
d. All of the above
Answers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
a
d
d
d
d
Reference
"Mastering Windows Server 2008 R2" by Mark Minasi, Darril Gibson, Aidan Finn, Wendy Henry, and
Byron Hynes is a comprehensive guide for introduction to Windows Server 2008 R2. This book covers a
wide range of topics from installation, configuration, and management to advanced features such as
virtualization and PowerShell scripting. It also provides hands-on exercises and real-world examples to
help readers apply what they have learned.