Key Takeaway:
- Windows Server Operating System has evolved over time, with the latest version being Windows Server 2022 that offers new features in three key themes – security, Azure hybrid integration and management, and application platform.
- Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition offers businesses advanced features, including the ability to use the benefits of cloud, SMB over QUIC, Hotpatch, and Azure Extended Networking.
- Azure Automanage for Windows Server provides new capabilities to Windows Server Azure Edition.
- Hotpatching is now in public preview for the Desktop Experience in Azure and as a supported guest VM on Azure Stack HCI version 22H2.
- Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition has new features and improvements in the 2022-09 Cumulative Update for Microsoft server operating system version 21H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5017381).
- After installing the Cumulative Update, the OS build number will be 20348.1070 or higher.
- Storage Replica compression for data transfer is now available.
- Microsoft recently released a new Insider Preview Build for Windows Server 2022, known as KB5016693 (build 20348.946).
- The update brings improvements such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, file compression, and storage replica.
- Various fixes are included for TPM and BitLocker, among others.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s ability to identify and intercept ransomware and advanced attacks is enhanced.
- A file will now be compressed regardless of its size if Server Message Block Compression is configured.
- Storage replication over low bandwidth or congested WAN is improved.
- Fixes are included for issues with the Startup Task API and Kerberos authentication.
- Microsoft Windows Server OS is an enterprise-class server operating system designed to share services with multiple users and provide extensive administrative control of data storage, applications, and corporate networks.
- Windows NT had the ability to run on less costly x86 machines, which made it a more cost-effective option than Unix operating systems that required expensive RISC-based hardware.
- Key features in the NT architecture include symmetric multiprocessing, which makes applications run faster on machines with several processors.
- Later versions of Windows Server can be deployed on hardware in an organization’s data center or on a cloud platform, such as Microsoft Azure.
- Key features in later versions of Windows Server include Active Directory, which automates the management of user data, security, and distributed resources, and Server Manager, which is a utility to administer server roles and make configuration changes to local or remote machines.
- Windows Server versions include Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server (1993), Windows NT 3.5 Server (1994), Windows NT 4.0 Server (1996), Windows 2000 Server (2000), Windows Server 2003 (2003), Windows Server 2008 (2008), Windows Server 2008 R2 (2009), Windows Server 2012 (2012), Windows Server 2012 R2 (2013), Windows Server 2016 (2016), and Windows Server 2019 (2018).
Introduction to Windows Server OS
Windows Server OS has come a long way since its initial release in 1993. In this section, we will explore the evolution of Windows Server OS and the important features that have made it a dependable system for businesses globally. Stay tuned to discover the world of Windows Server OS!
Evolution of Windows Server OS
Windows Server OS has grown a lot since its inception. It’s now a popular platform used in various industries. Microsoft has released many versions, adding new features and making the OS more agile.
There are key features that make Windows Server OS so popular. For example, Active Directory (AD), Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Remote Desktop Services (RDS), Windows PowerShell, and Hyper-V virtualization platform.
The latest version, released in 2022, has improved security features. For instance, there is TPM 2.0 Secure Booting on bare metal servers, which stops ransomware and firmware exploits. Plus, Azure hybrid integration allows administrators to control on-premise and cloud resources. There are also application platform enhancements, such as redesigned Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Migration Service.
One company, using Windows Server OS, had success with it when ransomware targeted one of its systems. Thanks to the encryption tools, none of their data was lost and customer information was safe. Recovery time was shorter than expected, showing how effective these tools can be.
Key features of Windows Server OS
Microsoft’s Windows Server OS is a top-notch operating system. It is equipped with features to meet business requirements and guarantee cost-efficient operations. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) have a big influence on authentication and authorization. Group Policy is a vital feature that lets admins centrally control desktop environments.
Server Core gives a secure server environment for complex apps. Hyper-V is a virtualization technology that helps make virtual machines and scale hardware. Windows Server OS also has multi-layered security, supports hybrid cloud environments, improved networking, storage innovations, automanage options, application management, and scalability across infrastructures.
Organizations can deploy Windows Server OS in different ways, such as installing individual roles or server clusters. Updates come with security features, upgraded apps, and platform enhancements. Special editions like “Azure Automanage” help optimize operations at scale. The 2022 edition of Windows Server Datacenter has improved security enhancements.
What’s new in Windows Server 2022?
In the 2022 edition of Windows Server, there are new and improved features aimed at boosting security, Azure hybrid integration, management, and overall application platform. The following are some of the notable additions:
1. Security enhancements: The latest version of Windows Server comes with advanced multi-layer security. It includes secured-core server to prevent firmware attacks, encrypted virtual machines, and secure connectivity with Azure.
2. Azure hybrid integration and management: Windows Server 2022 enables seamless integration with Azure, providing users with a unified management experience. Additionally, it provides new management capabilities, such as Azure Arc-enabled servers, Azure Monitor for Windows Server, and Azure Network Adapter.
3. Application platform improvements: Windows Server 2022 comes with new Application Platform features that enable developers to build, deploy, and run containerized applications. It includes Kubernetes cluster, Windows containers, and the App compatibility feature to run legacy Windows Server applications.
Overall, Windows Server 2022 offers significant improvements in security, management, and application platform enhancements that cater to the needs of modern-day businesses.
Security enhancements
Windows Server OS 2022 is a secure system with numerous security upgrades to protect customers’ data. Secure Core Server, Windows Defender and Encrypted Virtual Hard Disk files are just some of the features. Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity and Remote Credential Guard tackle cyber threats.
The significant Server Message Block (SMBv3) protocol now encrypts all connections. BitLocker, too, has been extended to USB flash drives.
These changes demonstrate that Windows Server OS is serious about protecting customers from data breaches. It’s important to get to know the new additions to properly safeguard an organization’s IT infrastructure.
Azure hybrid integration and management
Azure hybrid integration and management make it easy to connect on-premises and cloud infrastructure. Windows Server 2022 makes Azure management simpler. It supports Azure Arc, for servers connected directly to the Azure portal. Plus, it improves Azure Site Recovery; replication of workloads from on-prem sites is fast.
Security features give more insights into security posture. Security event audits and VM protection are enhanced. This leads to an efficient, cost-effective IT environment.
Application platform improvements
Windows Server 2022 offers strong improvements to the application platform, backed by evidence. It boosts .NET 6, container, and Kubernetes support, making modern app deployment speedier and easier.
Developers gain access to extra features, like garbage collector advancements and SIMD intrinsics. In response to the demand for better Kubernetes integration, an improved Container Orchestrator Layer (COOL) is present. This makes containerized app deployment at scale simpler.
Windows Admin Center simplifies app deployment by letting administrators create profiles that work in different environments. They can even remotely deploy roles and features, removing the need to manually access each server.
Thus, Windows Server 2022’s application platform updates let developers build and deploy modern apps faster. It also makes app management simpler with improved performance. With its Datacenter edition, Azure has new heights of power.
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition is an innovative server OS. It is tailored to meet the needs of organizations requiring scalability, security, and reliability. It integrates with Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, allowing workloads to be run on-premises and in the cloud.
This edition is based on Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and provides advanced performance and management capabilities. It includes Azure Arc and Azure Site Recovery, which allows resources to be managed across on-premises and cloud environments.
What makes it unique is its ability to provide a consistent hybrid cloud management experience. It also introduces advanced security features like Azure Security Center for unified security management and advanced threat protection.
In short, Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition is the ideal choice for organizations looking for a cloud-ready server OS that can support their changing needs.
Azure Automanage for Windows Server
Azure Automanage for Windows Server is a powerful solution that helps IT pros manage their servers in a smarter, automated way. This comprehensive platform lets you attain better compliance, boost security, and save time by automating routine management tasks.
A key benefit? Automanage handles everything from patching your servers with security updates to compliance monitoring. No need to worry about complex automation tasks or scripting in PowerShell.
Azure Automanage also provides a unified view of your server environment. This lets you spot & manage potential issues before they become major problems. Plus, the platform integrates with other Azure services such as Security Center, Backup, and Monitor. This offers an all-in-one monitoring & protection solution for your Windows servers.
To sum up, Azure Automanage for Windows Server offers an easy and efficient way to manage your servers at scale. It simplifies routine tasks, optimizes workloads, and improves security – helping IT pros stay on top of server management and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Hotpatching and Storage Replica compression
Windows Server OS is an operating system that offers advanced features. It stands out due to Hotpatching. This feature enables the installation of security updates without rebooting the system. It saves time and reduces system downtime, which is why IT professionals prefer it. Storage Replica Compression is another feature. It reduces network utilization and storage costs. This feature ensures the efficient transfer and replication of data across servers.
The table below shows a comparison of Hotpatching and Storage Replica Compression:
| Feature | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Hotpatching |
|
| Storage Replica Compression |
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Windows Server OS also provides enhanced performance and scalability. It supports up to 24TB of memory and 640 logical processors per system. Microsoft has used Hotpatching in production, large-scale organizations have benefited from this feature.
Insider Preview Build for Windows Server 2022
Administrators of Windows Server 2022 can join the Insider Preview Build program. It gives them early access to new Windows Server OS releases.
This program offers IT professionals the chance to test and feedback on features. It helps developers increase server stability and performance.
IT professionals can take advantage of the Insider Preview Build program. They can explore upcoming versions of the server OS without having to wait for the final release.
Conclusion: Benefits and future prospects of Windows Server OS
Windows Server OS is a great platform for businesses. It has amazing qualities like handling lots of workloads and supporting virtualization technologies. Plus, it’s easy to change hardware configurations.
Data security and recovery are important. Windows Server OS offers lots of built-in tools for that. Connecting to Azure allows enterprises to expand operations to the cloud too.
System Center and its related tools can be added to the platform for even more value. Companies can increase their technical knowledge by getting certifications.
Five Facts About Windows Server OS:
- ✅ Windows Server 2022 has new features in three key themes: security, Azure hybrid integration and management, and application platform. (Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-in-windows-server-2022)
- ✅ Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition helps to use the benefits of cloud and has advanced features like SMB over QUIC, Hotpatch, and Azure Extended Networking. (Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-in-windows-server-2022)
- ✅ Microsoft released a new Insider Preview Build for Windows Server 2022 named KB5016693 (build 20348.946), introducing improvements to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, file compression, and storage replica. (Source: https://windowsreport.com/kb5016693/)
- ✅ Windows Server OS is an enterprise-class server operating system designed for sharing services with multiple users and providing extensive administrative control of data storage, applications, and corporate networks. (Source: https://www.techtarget.com/searchwindowsserver/definition/Microsoft-Windows-Server-OS-operating-system)
- ✅ Key features in later versions of Windows Server include Active Directory, which automates the management of user data, security, and distributed resources, and Server Manager, which is a utility to administer server roles and make configuration changes to local or remote machines. (Source: https://www.techtarget.com/searchwindowsserver/definition/Microsoft-Windows-Server-OS-operating-system)
FAQs about A Closer Look At Windows Server Os
What is Windows Server OS?
Windows Server OS is an enterprise-class server operating system designed for sharing services with multiple users and providing extensive administrative control of data storage, applications, and corporate networks.
What are some key features of Windows Server OS?
Some key features of Windows Server OS include Active Directory, Server Manager, symmetric multiprocessing, and the ability to deploy on-premises or on a cloud platform like Microsoft Azure. Later versions of Windows Server also have improved security, performance, and management capabilities, and can be deployed on Azure Stack HCI.
What is Windows Server 2008?
Windows Server 2008 is a version of the Microsoft server operating system that was released in 2008. It includes features such as enhanced security, improved performance, and better management capabilities, among other things.
What is Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition?
Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition is a version of Windows Server OS designed specifically to work with Microsoft Azure. It offers advanced features such as SMB over QUIC, Hotpatch, and Azure Extended Networking, and can help organizations gain the benefits of cloud computing. The 2022-09 Cumulative Update also brings new features and improvements.
What is Azure Stack HCI?
Azure Stack HCI is a hybrid cloud solution from Microsoft that combines the scalability and flexibility of cloud computing with the security and control of on-premises infrastructure. It allows organizations to run their applications and workloads across both their on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure, providing the best of both worlds.
What issues does the Insider Preview Build KB5016693 address?
KB5016693 is an Insider Preview Build for Windows Server 2022 that addresses several issues, including those related to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, file compression, and storage replica. It also includes fixes for TPM and BitLocker, among others, and enhances Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s ability to identify and intercept ransomware and advanced attacks. The update brings improvements to the file compression, and storage replication over low bandwidth or congested WAN.