Getting started with Windows Server?

[Speedbird]

Hello.

I've been thinking of getting Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials on my home server. I have lots of ideas on what to do, but I don't know how to execute them. I've been thinking of setting up either a CIFS or FTP share (shouldn't be that hard) and also set up Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). I have no experience with WSUS before, and the documentation I found on TechNet was a bit overwhelming. So how do I set up WSUS and do I have to do some stuff with Active Directory (which could be a problem because I'm not running 8.1 Pro on my PCs).

Also, how does one set up a Minecraft server in Windows Server without actually buying Minecraft? My friends have been asking me to do this.

[manikyath]

making shares isnt hard at all, its pretty much one click go.

 

not sure why you'd need update services in a home server setting, but i'm sure theres documentation on it, and their GUIs are fairly self-explanatory.

 

and you make a minecraft server by stopping being a greedy bastard and BUYING THE DAMN GAME. after that you proceed to download it off the minecraft website.

[zlolslavez]

you don't need minecraft to make a minecraft server

[Speedbird]

making shares isnt hard at all, its pretty much one click go.

 

not sure why you'd need update services in a home server setting, but i'm sure theres documentation on it, and their GUIs are fairly self-explanatory.

 

and you make a minecraft server by stopping being a greedy bastard and BUYING THE DAMN GAME. after that you proceed to download it off the minecraft website.

I knew making shares was easy

Update Services because why not? I was gonna use Windows Server anyway, so why not do WSUS if I can. And do the computers have to be on the server domain?

And I'm not paying €20 for a game that I won't be actually playing. There are dedicated servers for all Source games (available for free), and I know there's one for Linux.

[manikyath]

I knew making shares was easy

Update Services because why not? I was gonna use Windows Server anyway, so why not do WSUS if I can. And do the computers have to be on the server domain?

And I'm not paying €20 for a game that I won't be actually playing. There are dedicated servers for all Source games (available for free), and I know there's one for Linux.

the catch with all the domain stuff is that standard windows versions (non-pro) do not support domains, only homegroups.

 

and i thought you were one of those "hurrdurr minecraft stupid game i piracy" guys using cracked minecraft, its as easy as installing java, and following the "other os" instructions here: https://minecraft.net/download(the windows server executable blows chunks)

[Speedbird]

the catch with all the domain stuff is that standard windows versions (non-pro) do not support domains, only homegroups.

 

and i thought you were one of those "hurrdurr minecraft stupid game i piracy" guys using cracked minecraft, its as easy as installing java, and following the "other os" instructions here: https://minecraft.net/download(the windows server executable blows chunks)

I know, that's why I want to know if I have to do and domain stuff. Do you know if I have to?

And I actually found a guide on setting up a Minecraft server. I guess there won't be any program compatibility issues between Windows Client and Windows Server. But thanks anyway for the link.

[vembutech]

Hi,

 

Check out this;

 

http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/windows-server-2012-essentials

[Speedbird]

Hi,

 

Check out this;

 

http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/windows-server-2012-essentials

Thanks. I'll have a look at it.

[JaSoN_XzIoN]

I know, that's why I want to know if I have to do and domain stuff. Do you know if I have to?

You need to run a domain for WSUS.

[JustinBieber]

Problem with WSUS is it stores all the updates on the server taking up valuable space, it can become a bit of a nightmare, i always just turn it off and update the PC's manually. 

[drm241]

I've had same problems month ago, when i started making own home server. I needed:
- fast file storage (share + FTP)
- VPN with NAT
- web-server for learning web-programing
- torrent downloader
- remote monitoring
- store my workstation backup's
- apple time capsule backup server (without buying time capsule all course)

So I went to Server 2012 R2 Essentials and i've got some problems:
1) When i installed it, this thing created domain automatically. Obviously, i don't needed this for a freaking home server, so it was a lot of googling about turning it off. And standard easy-setting-up tool in Essentials went to nightmare.
2) Apple time capsule backup server was a lot way's to do it, i went to Hyper V with linux with configured Apple's TCB (good manuals on web can be found:)
3) With Remote Monitorng i went to AIDA 64 Software, it's has a lot of stuff about emailing to you, if something's wrong.

Other stuff wasn't a big problem, just installing + setting up server roles. 
Also i needed auto-login because of torrent doesn't starting up, when server started up, so i've did some tweaks in Window's Registry.

And now it's works perfect for me. Didn't have any troubles to date:)