Windows Server Standard 2012 is the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. As the server edition of the Windows 8 operating system, Windows Server 2012 Standard therefore offers you up-to-date features. This includes, among other things, the innovative user interface of Windows 8, numerous new features and programs, as well as typical server functions in a high-performance implementation.

An all?rounder in the field of server management 

Windows Server Standard 2012 provides you with a reliable server operating system with a modern user interface, new features and many further optimizations. The modern user interface, known from the Windows 8 operating system, is also used in Windows Server 2012 Standard, optimizing operation via touchscreen. If you prefer not to use the modern user interface, the so?called Core installation is an option. This omits a graphical user interface entirely and allows you to configure Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Standard using PowerShell and the Windows command prompt. In Windows Server 2012 Standard the Core installation is set by default, offering you increased performance for applications. This is especially true when using SQL Server or Hyper?V.

In addition to visual improvements, Windows Server 2012 Standard includes new features such as a redesigned Task Manager that categorizes running processes, suspends inactive applications to improve performance, and simplifies finding applications with a new interface. Other features, such as Active Directory Domain Services, the current virtualization platform Hyper?V, Microsoft Windows Azure and many others, complete Windows Server 2012 Standard as an optimal server operating system.

New features and programs in Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Standard

Windows Server 2012 Standard provides you with a stable operating system for your server environment, which with its numerous innovations and current features offers optimal support:

• New interface: modern user interface optimized for touchscreen operation
• New Task Manager: redesigned Task Manager for improved performance
• SMB 3.0 support: new protocol version for more stable and faster access to file shares
• PowerShell 3.0: new PowerShell version for managing system settings
• Microsoft Windows Azure: new feature to back up the server to the Azure cloud
• Internet Information Services 8.0: management of extended validation certificates

In addition to entirely new functions and programs, Microsoft also places great value on keeping proven technologies up to date and optimized in Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Standard. This includes the current version of the Hyper?V virtualization platform with optimized performance and an improved DirectAccess. The latter has been enhanced so that the server now also includes technologies for IPv6 bridging and therefore no longer requires a PKI.

Secure file management

As an additional security feature, Windows Server 2012 Standard now also includes Dynamic Access Control. This controls file access via metadata and works in addition to Active Directory security policies. Dynamic Access Control can, for example, ensure that unauthorized access is blocked even after a file is moved to other directories. Files are also protected in backups. With the new Windows Server 2012 Standard, Microsoft also introduces the new ReFS file system. This serves as a complement to the well?known NTFS and was specially developed for file servers and data storage.

Windows Server 2012 Standard includes support for two physical processors. In addition, the operating system allows the use of two additional virtual instances or machines. Windows Server 2012 Standard is therefore ideal for small and medium?sized businesses with moderate virtualization.

WINDOWS SERVER 2012 STANDARD - SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS