Sams Windows Server 2012 Unleashed Pdf

When designing and selecting the system specifications for a new server solution, even the optimal system requirements recommendations from Microsoft might not suffice. It is a best practice to assess the server specifications of the planned server role while taking the load during the time of deployment and future growth into consideration. For example, a Windows Server 2012 system running the Exchange Server 2010 Mailbox Server role or a SQL Server 2012 providing enterprise business intelligence solutions will require much more than 2GB of RAM to run adequately. Therefore, size the system accordingly and test the load before going live into production.

As always, before performing any type of server maintenance such as a Windows Server 2012 installation, perform a complete backup of any applications and data that you want to preserve. Do not forget to include the system state when backing up the legacy Windows operating system. It is required when performing a restore if you want to maintain the existing Windows settings.

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To upgrade to Windows Server 2012, you must be running the most recent server level operating system, Windows Server 2008 R2. Upgrades from older operating systems are not supported. Table 3.2 lists edition upgrades.

Although direct upgrades from a GUI version of the server to a core installation is still not supported, with Windows Server 2012, you can easily upgrade to a GUI version and then convert to a core installation or vice versa.

One of the first decisions you have to make when installing Windows Server 2012 is whether you will be using a Server Core installation or a server with GUI installation. Server Core installations were introduced with the release of the Windows Server 2008 family of operating systems and consist of only a minimal installation footprint. On a Server Core installation, the traditional GUI tools are not available, and there is also limited managed code support.

Even more important, Windows Server 2012 can be switched from a Server Core installation to a GUI installation with a single command and a reboot. A third installation state exists and is comprised of a minimal GUI installation with some GUI features, such as Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, and the desktop, removed. The third state, called the Minimal Server Interface, can be converted to a full GUI server by installing the Server Graphical Shell feature.

After the installation of Windows Server 2012, you have the opportunity to configure the core settings required for server operation. Taking the time to gather the information described in the following sections before starting your installation will likely make your installation go faster, smoother, and easier.

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