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Ops 301 Class 01

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Bill Kachersky edited this page Oct 4, 2021 · 1 revision

What’s the Difference Between Windows and Windows Server?

Similarities

Let's start off by discussing the similarities that the two Operating Systems share.

  • They have the same desktop
  • They have the same start button
  • They have the same task view button
  • They use the same kernel
  • They can run the same software (Microsoft Office, Chrome, etc)

That's kind of where it ends though, the two, while appearing to be similar if you're looking at the GUI for both, are fundamentally different in their functionality. In fact, Windows encourages users of Windows Server to ditch the GUI entirely and run the OS from the command line instead. This reduces the overhead associated with the GUI and frees up the resources for more server oriented functions, which is why you're using Windows Server anyway.

Windows Server comes with server software preinstalled. If you have the GUI installed, you will notice that mere moments after the Desktop loads up, a Server Manager launches. This program highlights the differences between Windows 10 and Windows Server.

"The program gives you an interface to work with for the purposes of adding server-specific features such as Windows Deployment Services, DHCP Services, and Active Directory Domain Services. These features allow for deployment of an OS remotely to other machines, the creation of static IP address for client machines, control of a network domain for joining other computers to a domain, and creating domain users. Features like these aren’t available for Windows 10 natively, although you could install third-party software like the Apache web server." Citation

Differences

Windows Server comes with expanded hardware capacity. For example, Windows 10 Pro can support a maximum of 2TB of RAM, where Windows Server is capable of supporting up to 24TB. Windows 10 also is only capable of supporting one physical CPU, while Windows Server (2016) is able to support up to 64 sockets. Windows Server also has no limit to the cores it can support, where Windows 10's 32-bit edition supports 32 cores, and the 64-bit edition supports up to 256 cores.

Windows Server is also more streamlined, there is no trace of Cortana, the MS Store, Edge, or Timeline. Instead, a highly secure version of Internet Explorer is the browser of choice for Windows Server. Windows Server does not offer Microsoft account sign in support, instead, a user can sign in with either a local account or domain account. Another interesting point of contrast is that Windows 10 only supports pausing Windows Update, where on the Windows Server side, Windows Update can be completely disabled if preferred through group policy.

In closing, if you need a personal computer desktop experience, Windows 10 is the way to go, but if you need a machine that can manage other machines at home or work, and provide a file server or web server, Windows Server is where it's at.

This topic is important because it acts as a primer to the subjects we will be covering throughout this week. The differences between Windows Server and Windows 10 are important for any IT Professional to readily distinguish, and to be able to leverage in the workplace when it comes to things like system architecture, system administration, network administration, active directory services, and more.

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