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What Is It?

Windows is a Microsoft family of operating systems first released in July 1993. Originally, the first Windows/NT was designed to be a powerful high-level language-based processor-independent miltiprocessing multiuser operating system with features comparable to UNIX. NT was the first fully 32-bit version of Windows. Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Home Server, and Windows Server 2008 are based upon the Windows NT kernel, although they are not branded as such.

Who Is it For?

Windows servers are for those who seek a Windows environment for Web hosting. Windows is different than UNIX or Unix-based servers, and the Windows environment – like the UNIX or Unix-based environments – can accept different applications for a Web hosting environment. With that said, both the Windows and UNIX and Unix-based environments may accept and offer many of the same Web hosting applications and capabilities. It is up to the Web site customer to decide which hosting environment would suit the needs desired by that customer, the customer’s Web site objectives and the Web site’s potential customers.

Features

Beginning with Windows NT kernel, this server supplied users with a fully-customizable administrative console based upon tasks rather than on files, applications or users. The newest Windows’ server is Windows 2008, which replaces Windows 2003. Windows Server 2008 is built from the same code base as Windows Vista; therefore, it shares much of the same architecture and functionality. The server automatically comes with most of the technical, security, management and administrative features such as a network stack that is native Ipv6, native wireless with speed and security improvements, improved image-based installation deployment and recovery and more.The newest application for Windows 2008 is the new variation of an installation called ‘Server Core.’ This core is a scaled-back installation where no Windows Explorer is installed. Instead, all configuration and maintenance is done entirely through command line interface windows or by remotely connecting to the machine using Microsoft Management Console. The Server Core also does not include the .NET Framework or many other features unrelated to core server features, but it can be used as a DNS server, DHCP server, a Windows Media server or for various other options.

Compatibility

Windows servers usually operate on Intel and RISC based systems. Requirements for the Intel system include 100% IBM compatible computer with 486 33MHz processor, 16MB RAM, 110MB Hard disk drive space drive, VGA or higher-resolution video and previous Version of NT for upgrade. The RISC version requires workstations with Alpha AXP, MIPS R4×00, or PowerPC, 16MB RAM, 110MB Hard disk drive space and VGA or higher-resolution video. The minimum hardware specification required to run each release of the professional workstation version of Windows NT has been fairly slow-moving until the 6.0 Vista release, which requires a minimum of 15 GB of free disk space plus an additional 5 GB of extra space for 6.0, a 10-fold increase in free disk space alone over the previous version.

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