What is Windows Server 2012

Mitchell

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Thirlmere
Hi,
I became a member of dreamspark simply because they offer Windows 8 for free. I became a vertifyed member only to find out that they dont offer Windows 8 for free to Students. However they do offer Windows Server 2012 free to student.

what is it?? Can i use it as Windows 8?
 

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    Gigabyte EP43DS3
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    64-bit Windows 10
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    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Windows Server 2012 is basically like Windows 8 to an extent. It's an operating system obviously designed for servers, hence Windows Server. It has the Start Screen, except it doesn't really use the Windows Store apps. It's really just like if you took Windows 8, cut out the apps, cut out the Share and I think Devices charms, pin Admin Tools to Start, make the Start Screen dependent on the Desktop and Desktop dependent on Start, and change some Desktop UI settings, you will have Windows Server 2012.

I think a couple of members here have used Server 2012 on their personal PCs and liked it.

Also, Windows Server 2012 is used for people that run home servers, as it has a file system called ReFS, or Resilient File System. This is preferably used along with Storage Spaces, as it can help prevent file corruption over pure NTFS. That isn't in Windows 8 client, although Microsoft has noted that it will eventually.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Windows Server 2012 is basically like Windows 8 to an extent. It's an operating system obviously designed for servers, hence Windows Server. It has the Start Screen, except it doesn't really use the Windows Store apps. It's really just like if you took Windows 8, cut out the apps, cut out the Share and I think Devices charms, pin Admin Tools to Start, make the Start Screen dependent on the Desktop and Desktop dependent on Start, and change some Desktop UI settings, you will have Windows Server 2012.

I think a couple of members here have used Server 2012 on their personal PCs and liked it.

Also, Windows Server 2012 is used for people that run home servers, as it has a file system called ReFS, or Resilient File System. This is preferably used along with Storage Spaces, as it can help prevent file corruption over pure NTFS. That isn't in Windows 8 client, although Microsoft has noted that it will eventually.

It wired that microsoft offer Windows Server for free and not just Windows 8.

Anyway I don't plan on running a server i have single desktop. Can i still dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 on my PC, or do i need a actual server??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 duo E7200 @2.53GHz 2.27GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte EP43DS3
    Memory
    4GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 1000
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Windows Server 2012 is basically like Windows 8 to an extent. It's an operating system obviously designed for servers, hence Windows Server. It has the Start Screen, except it doesn't really use the Windows Store apps. It's really just like if you took Windows 8, cut out the apps, cut out the Share and I think Devices charms, pin Admin Tools to Start, make the Start Screen dependent on the Desktop and Desktop dependent on Start, and change some Desktop UI settings, you will have Windows Server 2012.

I think a couple of members here have used Server 2012 on their personal PCs and liked it.

Also, Windows Server 2012 is used for people that run home servers, as it has a file system called ReFS, or Resilient File System. This is preferably used along with Storage Spaces, as it can help prevent file corruption over pure NTFS. That isn't in Windows 8 client, although Microsoft has noted that it will eventually.

It wired that microsoft offer Windows Server for free and not just Windows 8.

Anyway I don't plan on running a server i have single desktop. Can i still dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 on my PC, or do i need a actual server??

Yeah, you can easily dual boot 7 and 8 together without issue. And no, you don't actually need a server to run Windows Server 2012. :) I've personally had it running in a virtual machine without problems, a couple other people here, I think jimbo45, he was running Server 2012 I believe on his ultrabook laptop and liked it over Windows 8 as it doesn't have too much about apps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Windows Server 2012 is basically like Windows 8 to an extent. It's an operating system obviously designed for servers, hence Windows Server. It has the Start Screen, except it doesn't really use the Windows Store apps. It's really just like if you took Windows 8, cut out the apps, cut out the Share and I think Devices charms, pin Admin Tools to Start, make the Start Screen dependent on the Desktop and Desktop dependent on Start, and change some Desktop UI settings, you will have Windows Server 2012.

I think a couple of members here have used Server 2012 on their personal PCs and liked it.

Also, Windows Server 2012 is used for people that run home servers, as it has a file system called ReFS, or Resilient File System. This is preferably used along with Storage Spaces, as it can help prevent file corruption over pure NTFS. That isn't in Windows 8 client, although Microsoft has noted that it will eventually.

It wired that microsoft offer Windows Server for free and not just Windows 8.

Anyway I don't plan on running a server i have single desktop. Can i still dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 on my PC, or do i need a actual server??

Yeah, you can easily dual boot 7 and 8 together without issue. And no, you don't actually need a server to run Windows Server 2012. :) I've personally had it running in a virtual machine without problems, a couple other people here, I think jimbo45, he was running Server 2012 I believe on his ultrabook laptop and liked it over Windows 8 as it doesn't have too much about apps.

Ok so i don't waste time downloading it, its pretty much llike normal windows 8 with maybe a few features missing.

Also do i wanted standard or data center?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 duo E7200 @2.53GHz 2.27GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte EP43DS3
    Memory
    4GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 1000
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
It wired that microsoft offer Windows Server for free and not just Windows 8.

Anyway I don't plan on running a server i have single desktop. Can i still dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 on my PC, or do i need a actual server??

Yeah, you can easily dual boot 7 and 8 together without issue. And no, you don't actually need a server to run Windows Server 2012. :) I've personally had it running in a virtual machine without problems, a couple other people here, I think jimbo45, he was running Server 2012 I believe on his ultrabook laptop and liked it over Windows 8 as it doesn't have too much about apps.

Ok so i don't waste time downloading it, its pretty much llike normal windows 8 with maybe a few features missing.

Also do i wanted standard or data center?
You'd do fine with Windows Server 2012 Standard.

Basically yes, Server 2012 is much like Windows 8. Except:
-metro apps
-Windows Store
-Server 2012 is a little more Desktop focused
-No Share or Devices Charms, as apps don't run on Server 2012

I'm personally not all TOO sure about program compatibility, but I believe those issues won't be there as the Server code is used in Windows.

And I'm also not too sure about personalization, I don't remember if you can customize the Start Screen colors or really change the Desktop wallpaper. But, I do think StarDock's Decor8 app will allow Start Screen customizing if Server 2012 doesn't have it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I'm personally not all TOO sure about program compatibility, ......And I'm also not too sure about personalization,....... I don't remember if you can customize the Start Screen colors or really change the Desktop wallpaper. But, I do think StarDock's Decor8 app will allow Start Screen customizing if Server 2012 doesn't have it.

So why you talk about it if you know nothing about it ? I can't believe it, It's a server OS not a Desktop OS, stop to compare it to Windows 8. First of all it's not free it's a 180 day evaluation, No Defender, and get ready to pull a lot of cash from your pocket for a server anti-virus, Windows 8 anti-virus will simple refuse to install. Aside you gone need a lot of tweak to make it operate like a Desktop.

Metro Store , Starduck, Wallpaper.... Regular or Data Center ? , lol this tread make my day.

Just few think you will have to deal with
1- Enable Desktop experience
2- Enable Windows audio service
3- disable Advance IE security, you don't want a warning popup at each page you open a new page or if you want download something
4- Disable advance password security
5- Disable server management on start
6- Add copy/move ( very annoying warning all the time if not )

this is just few thing. again, it's not free and it as no free anti-virus solution. Running Server 2012 as a desktop is for an advance Servers 2012 user who know what is doing. If you don't know what Server 2012 is, you not qualify as advance user.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Btw IF you are a student you can get windows 8 for free from msdnaa website. That's how I got it. It is full version windows 8 pro.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Hi there
Windows server 2012 STILL has a problem with any video from web sites so if you intend to use Windows 2012 server for surfing the web -- forget it.

As a pure server - you can run it in command mode / simple GUI or the whole Metro kybosh which isn't suitable at all for a SERVER.

Running a server OS as a desktop can be done but it needs a little work -- but in the case of Windows 2012 I'd leave it as a SERVER - preferably a VIRTUAL server.

Here's a passable guide on the conversion process -- note you still won't get any video on web sites.

Convert your Windows Server 2012 to a Workstation!

Here's a link to my previous post about IE10 in Windows 2012 server -- I was experimenting with this a while back trying to get video to work but gave it up as a bad job.

http://www.eightforums.com/browsers...s-2012-server-no-video-possible-sound-ok.html

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
I'm personally not all TOO sure about program compatibility, ......And I'm also not too sure about personalization,....... I don't remember if you can customize the Start Screen colors or really change the Desktop wallpaper. But, I do think StarDock's Decor8 app will allow Start Screen customizing if Server 2012 doesn't have it.

So why you talk about it if you know nothing about it ? I can't believe it, It's a server OS not a Desktop OS, stop to compare it to Windows 8. First of all it's not free it's a 180 day evaluation, No Defender, and get ready to pull a lot of cash from your pocket for a server anti-virus, Windows 8 anti-virus will simple refuse to install. Aside you gone need a lot of tweak to make it operate like a Desktop.

Metro Store , Starduck, Wallpaper.... Regular or Data Center ? , lol this tread make my day.

Just few think you will have to deal with
1- Enable Desktop experience
2- Enable Windows audio service
3- disable Advance IE security, you don't want a warning popup at each page you open a new page or if you want download something
4- Disable advance password security
5- Disable server management on start
6- Add copy/move ( very annoying warning all the time if not )

this is just few thing. again, it's not free and it as no free anti-virus solution. Running Server 2012 as a desktop is for an advance Servers 2012 user who know what is doing. If you don't know what Server 2012 is, you not qualify as advance user.
I'm not too sure about the whole feature set as I have used it to test it out and see what it's all about, as I'm able to tell someone who is saying that they can get Server 2012 and is wondering if they can use it. Of course it's not a desktop OS, but as some people have shown, it's not overly difficult to get it to skew that way some. And yes, you need to know things about it, I know enough to say I know about it but don't know all of it, as I don't use it and won't even though technically I could possibly use it later next year for a home server.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Btw IF you are a student you can get windows 8 for free from msdnaa website. That's how I got it. It is full version windows 8 pro.

Well it says for me I need to be a dreamspark premium member to get it for free, and because my school mainily use apple computers i get the didnt register to become a member.
I managed to get verfitfed by sending my Student ID card, but it only offer me Windows Server, and i dont want to instaill that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 duo E7200 @2.53GHz 2.27GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte EP43DS3
    Memory
    4GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 1000
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
This is probably illegal but i shall ask anyway.
Is the product key that you get for Windows Server, will that work on a normal install, because i was thinking i could download an untoch iso and use the product key if they work... But i high doubt it
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 duo E7200 @2.53GHz 2.27GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte EP43DS3
    Memory
    4GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 1000
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Again, the Server 2012 you are talking about is a 180 days demo. MS is not dump enough to give you a Server OS for free, especially Data Center, Windows 8 will cost only $ 39.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
untitled.JPG
It doesnt says its a trail... I've read half the fine print.
But i dont think im going to instaill it, thats why i want to know if i can use the products key from the server edition on a normal Windows 8 instaill

There is also a whole bunch of other products i can get for free too.

untitled.JPG
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 duo E7200 @2.53GHz 2.27GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte EP43DS3
    Memory
    4GB Ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 800
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 1000
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
View attachment 12929
It doesnt says its a trail... I've read half the fine print.
But i dont think im going to instaill it, thats why i want to know if i can use the products key from the server edition on a normal Windows 8 instaill

There is also a whole bunch of other products i can get for free too.

View attachment 12930

No, you can't.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
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