Category Archives: Windows Server

Jun
28
2013

Windows Server 2012 R2 – PREVIEW

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I’m working on a project that requires a small server for a small business/home office.  Potentially Windows Home Server 2011 (based on Windows Server 2008) would suffice, but that product is no longer in production.  Microsoft recommends Windows Server 2012 ESSENTIALS as a (more expensive) replacement.

I downloaded an evaluation version from the Microsoft web site, good for 180 days.  I tried the evaluation of 2012 of what I thought was ESSENTIALS but it turned out to be the STANDARD version of 2012 and not the ESSENTIALS version.  Both are based on the same platform, but ESSENTIALS have a much friendlier front-end…more suited for the Small Office, non-IT department, organizational model (home use too).

BUT…with Windows 8.1 public preview available, I downloaded the Server 2012 R2 preview.  Its installation was smooth, and it had a specific feature for installing ESSENTIALS.  Bravo Microsoft.

I revisited the Microsoft website and made sure my initial download was ESSENTIALS…it wasn’t.  I downloaded the 2012 ESSENTIALS trial software, installed it and found the great similarity with the 2012 ESSENTIALS R2 Preview.

For now, it is onward with my evaluation.  At first blush, ESSENTIALS may be well suited for the Home Office/Small Business server needs.

ED

UPDATE: 09 July 2013 – The preview server software seems to be holding up as stable, however I have yet to master installing applications on the server for use by any connected workstation.  As typical with Windows Home Server, and Server 2012 Essentials, a “Connector” software needs to be installed on the workstation.  In general this is OK, but in 2012 ESSENTIALS R2 Preview, the CONNECTOR installation does NOT NOT appear in the Programs and Features…and thus CANNOT BE REMOVED!  In fact it takes over the workstation sign-in process forcing general use of Network login vice local workstation login although that is still possible.  (Instructions on Microsoft web sites say the connector can be removed via Programs and Features, but that was not possible on the R2 preview…a fluke or “new feature”?