Windows Server Essentials vs Standard

Hello Dev! If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking to upgrade your server or wondering which version of Windows Server to install. It can be tough to decide which edition to choose because they both have their pros and cons. In this article, we’ll compare Windows Server Essentials and Standard, highlighting their differences, and help you choose the right one for your business.

Overview

Windows Server is a powerful operating system designed for businesses of all sizes. It provides a wide range of features to manage and secure your network. Windows Server Essentials and Standard are two popular editions that offer different capabilities.

Windows Server Essentials is a streamlined version of Windows Server that is designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It offers a simplified interface and a set of tools that are easy to use, making it ideal for businesses that don’t have dedicated IT staff.

Windows Server Standard is a full-featured edition of Windows Server that supports larger businesses and organizations with more users and devices. It provides advanced features, such as virtualization and high availability, that are not available in Windows Server Essentials.

Features

Windows Server Essentials Features

Windows Server Essentials offers a comprehensive set of features that are geared towards small businesses. It provides all the tools you need to manage your network, including Active Directory Domain Services, Remote Web Access, and Client Backup. Additionally, it offers integration with Office 365, making it easy to manage your accounts and integrate with Exchange Online. Windows Server Essentials also provides regular health reports to keep you informed of your server’s status.

Windows Server Standard Features

Windows Server Standard provides advanced features that are ideal for larger businesses and organizations. It includes virtualization capabilities through Hyper-V, which allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single server. Failover Clustering provides high availability by allowing multiple servers to work together to provide a redundant system. Active Directory Federation Services allows for single sign-on across multiple systems and platforms. Remote Desktop Services allows users to access remote desktops and applications. Finally, Data Deduplication reduces storage requirements by removing duplicate data.

Licensing

Licensing for Windows Server Essentials is different from that of Windows Server Standard. Windows Server Essentials is licensed per server, while Windows Server Standard is licensed per processor. This means that if you have a server with multiple processors, you will need to purchase a license for each processor.

Windows Server Essentials allows up to 25 users and 50 devices, while Windows Server Standard allows an unlimited number of users and devices. If you need to support more than 25 users or 50 devices, you will need to purchase a license for Windows Server Standard.

FAQ

What are the system requirements for Windows Server Essentials?

Windows Server Essentials requires a 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter. Additionally, you will need a DVD drive, a keyboard, and a mouse.

What are the system requirements for Windows Server Standard?

Windows Server Standard requires a 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 512 MB of RAM (2 GB recommended), and a minimum of 32 GB of disk space. Additionally, it requires a DVD drive, a keyboard, and a mouse.

Can I upgrade from Windows Server Essentials to Windows Server Standard?

Yes, you can upgrade from Windows Server Essentials to Windows Server Standard. However, you will need to purchase a license for Windows Server Standard and perform a clean installation of the operating system.

Can I use Windows Server Essentials and Standard together?

Yes, you can use Windows Server Essentials and Standard together on the same network. However, you should be aware that each server will require its own license and that they will have different capabilities.

Which version of Windows Server is right for my business?

The answer to this question depends on the size of your business and your specific needs. If you have a small business with up to 25 users and 50 devices, Windows Server Essentials is a great choice. It offers a streamlined interface and all the tools you need to manage your network. If you have a larger business or organization with more users and devices, Windows Server Standard provides advanced capabilities, such as virtualization and high availability, that are not available in Windows Server Essentials.

Conclusion

Choosing the right edition of Windows Server is an important decision for any business. Windows Server Essentials and Standard both offer unique capabilities that are tailored to different business sizes and needs. By understanding the differences between these editions, you can choose the one that is right for your business.