Windows Server 2008 Core Server
Recently I installed my First Windows Server 2008 to see whats new in that.
Microsoft gives us 2 options
Core Server
Full Version.
Graphics are great and so the features however I just couldn’t digest the Core Server. It’s like after 15 years of working on GUI mode we are asked to work on command prompt. Microsoft says that Core Server provides security from hackers, just wondering since when hackers started bothering about GUI they use ports for GOD sake.
The second disadvantage I found here is that there is no upgrade path from Core Server to Full Server. That means if tomorrow I want upgrade my Core server to some other server where I want to see GUI then I have to go for a clean installation which is time consuming. I believe Microsoft will definitely come up to fix this issue.
In Core Server we need to perform all the task using commands even installing drivers, so if I make a mistake of a space it will through error and driver will be installed.
Also in Core Server if you want to access the services or programs on the other server then you need to access through MMC console on another server/machine. Which requires enabling that service’s console on the firewall; well that’s no security to me.
In today’s world where System Admins wants to make their life easy with attractive and efficient tools in GUI I am not sure Core Server could be a hit.
The only advantage I see here is that novice System Admins will not get a chance to play around.
Hi Ismail
Thanks for your valuable information on 2008 server especially your comment on contarary to system admins is very good.
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This is a valuable information. We need tools to be affective and easy to use.
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Thanx for the valuble information.really Great information !
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Thank you for your valuable comment. You's comment encourage us to blog more informative informations.
Regards
Ismail Mohammed
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Well I would to some extent you are right however still the firewall of Windows Server 2008 very good and provides lots of protection. Also working command prompt will let you use powershell through which one can automate the task.
But I still agree with as Microsoft says this is not a security feature.
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Sir, it looks like we are not understanding the advantage of command / powershell. Agreed as mentioned by you that for New enginers it would be tough to play around, but for those who are arond for long can do more with powershell than what they could with GUI. But a point well made by you and probably MS will consider this point
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Hi All,
Why you need to only focus on disadvantages part, i don't see any disadvantages -
1st think about advantages about the core server -
The Server Core installation option of Windows Server 2008 provides the following benefits:
> Reduce the maintenance cost
> Reduce the attack surface
> Reduce the management
> Low Disk Space
> Low risk of bugs
This core server is just for keeping the server in a security mode where i can run minimum application with low cost and few risk at the most so that very less number of hits should be accessed so when we are thinking about low disk space how come you are expecting that there should be direct upgradation path. I believe that it is just an enhancement for GUI in terms of above advantages. so that you can minimal application or critical application to be processed and keep it secure.
Siraj - i m expecting that you are searching a GUI tool if i want to go with GUI then i should prefer to go with full installation mode. because if i get whatever i have in full installation mode then there is no difference between this core and other server.
Lobo - I agree with you that it would be challenging for us to understand the command but i know that once you are ablel to understand basic about powershell - you will like this tool. Basically i use to make a note of all the commands which i use to test it out so that it will be handy for us but today i am able to remember atleast 30-40% command in my mind. you can get some GUI tool for executing the powershell but it can be run on full installation mode i believe so.
Guys it's just a matter how you take it.
Please post your comment if you have any doubts or query. I will be glad to reply back.
Above statements are just my point of view.
Regards
Ismail Mohammed
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When you remove the GDI component of Windows 2003 along with IE, as well as refine the code to close a lot of entry points and shut out IIS7 & FTP (Both separate packages in IIS 7), you have a secure system called Windows Server 2008 Core.
Just in case, one is still wondering, IIS 7 cannot be installed on Core Editon of W2K8. So is .Net framework, so powershell is out. What you get is Windows Shell using which you can do pretty much everything you need to on a core server.
Core server is not meant for application hosting. It is geared towards directory & networking services and precisely that is what it will do.
Another catch is that you cannot upgrade the Core to Full Server edition. They are different installs and are not interchangeable as needed.
One excellent AD point is that you no longer need to restart DC in DSRM to do AD repairs. Yes, all you need to do is to stop the active directory - directory service from services, do the repair and restart the AD Directory Service. Isn't that cool! I bet it is.
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good to know someone has a great interest to share knowledge
thankyou
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hi ulhas,
Thank you for your feedback, your feedback will help us to improve the quality of work
Regards
Ismail
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