Windows Server 2012

[QuadNine]

What makes windows server 2012, can it only run server crap, or what? Is it possible to run other programs that would run on windows 8 on windows server 2012?

[ZetZet]

Generally if you don't know what it does you don't need it. Yes you can run windows 8 programs on the server os.

[minibois]

I believe server editions of Windows are like regular Windows without the stuff consumers use (can't think of anything right now..) and with Server stuff like DNS Server capabilities and such

 

EDIT: the consumer stuff I talked about was stuff like Windows Media Player. You don't need that on a sever, but you do on a consumer OS.

You can install all this stuff and you can install other Windows 8 stuff (like games), although I don't know how good that is

[QuadNine]

I believe server editions of Windows are like regular Windows without the stuff consumers use (can't think of anything right now..) and with Server stuff like DNS Server capabilities and such

 

EDIT: the consumer stuff I talked about was stuff like Windows Media Player. You don't need that on a sever, but you do on a consumer OS.

You can install all this stuff and you can install other Windows 8 stuff (like games), although I don't know how good that is

Cause windows server 2012 is only 40$ compared to windows 8 100$

[Goose Legs]

Server 2012 and R2 are stripped down (no eye candy, only the most essential system services), locked down (IE, strict default security policies, mandatory passwords, etc) and Server 2012 will require signed drivers that were specifically written for Server 2012 (again, unless you disable driver signing). If you plan to run it, make sure you have compatible hardware otherwise you'll be spending quite a bit of time debugging, searching for drivers, and ripping your hair out. 

 

Server 2012 is extremely reliable, and very logically laid out (I have a few licenses through my University) but it's very utilitarian in terms eye candy and user features. If you're on the fence, get Windows 8. It may cost more but if you're not a sys admin it'll be more trouble than it's worth. 

 

Don't buy a hammer when you need a drill.

 

Shop around.

[QuadNine]

Server 2012 and R2 are stripped down (no eye candy, only the most essential system services), locked down (IE, strict default security policies, mandatory passwords, etc) and Server 2012 will require signed drivers that were specifically written for Server 2012 (again, unless you disable driver signing). If you plan to run it, make sure you have compatible hardware otherwise you'll be spending quite a bit of time debugging, searching for drivers, and ripping your hair out. 

 

Server 2012 is extremely reliable, and very logically laid out (I have a few licenses through my University) but it's very utilitarian in terms eye candy and user features. If you're on the fence, get Windows 8. It may cost more but if you're not a sys admin it'll be more trouble than it's worth. 

 

Don't buy a hammer when you need a drill.

 

Shop around.

Well, I wanna build a system for my friend, and dont wanna spend too much,and I would be saving 65$ going with Windows server

I could send you a PC part picker link if you wanna look at it.

[Goose Legs]

Well, I wanna build a system for my friend, and dont wanna spend too much,and I would be saving 65$ going with Windows server

I could send you a PC part picker link if you wanna look at it.

 

 

If your friend isn't a system administrator, has experience with Server OS's, or is very knowledgable with troubleshooting, spend the extra $65. Server 2012 is a tool for a very specific usage scenario. Choosing it because it's less expensive than the desktop counterpart is not a good solution.

[QuadNine]

If your friend isn't a system administrator, has experience with Server OS's, or is very knowledgable with troubleshooting, spend the extra $65. Server 2012 is a tool for a very specific usage scenario. Choosing it because it's less expensive than the desktop counterpart is not a good solution.

Oke, I think I will cut back on the case a bit, and put the money in the OS

[omniomi]

Where are  you finding Server 2K12 for $40? Server 2012 Essentials is $500... and the cheaper Foundation version is OEM only AFAIK.

[NumLock21]

Server 2012 Essential is the cheapest for a small business as it comes bundles with a limited number of device and user license.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416796&cm_re=server_2012-_-32-416-796-_-Product

Server 2012 Standard and up don't have that and has to it's purchase separately.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416799&cm_re=server_2012-_-32-416-799-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416559&cm_re=server_2012_device_cal-_-32-416-559-_-Product

Get Windows 8.1 for your friend