Hey Dev, welcome to our journal article about the Windows 2016 Server. In this article, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about Windows 2016 Server, from installation to configuration, and maintenance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced IT professional, this article is perfect for you.
What is Windows 2016 Server?
Windows 2016 Server is a server operating system that is designed for businesses of all sizes. It was released in September 2016, and it comes with a range of new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows Server 2012.
Features of Windows 2016 Server
Some of the key features of Windows 2016 Server include:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Server virtualization |
Allows you to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. |
Active Directory Federation Services |
Allows you to authenticate users across different systems and organizations. |
Storage Spaces Direct |
Allows you to create a fault-tolerant storage system using commodity hardware. |
Remote Desktop Services |
Allows users to access applications and desktops from anywhere on any device. |
These are just some of the many features that Windows 2016 Server has to offer. Let’s take a look at how you can install it.
Installation
The installation process for Windows 2016 Server is straightforward and similar to the installation process for previous versions of Windows Server. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Check the System Requirements
Before you start the installation process, you need to make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 2016 Server. Here are the minimum requirements:
- Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
- RAM: 512 MB
- Hard disk space: 32 GB
- Network Adapter: Gigabit (10/100/1000baseT) Ethernet adapter
Step 2: Download the ISO File
Once you’ve confirmed that your system meets the requirements, you need to download the Windows 2016 Server ISO file from the Microsoft website. You can choose to download the Standard, Datacenter, or Essentials edition depending on your needs.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB or DVD
Next, you need to create a bootable USB or DVD using the ISO file. You can use software like Rufus or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool to create the bootable media.
Step 4: Boot from the USB or DVD
Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your system, and then restart your computer. When prompted, press any key to boot from the USB or DVD.
Step 5: Install Windows 2016 Server
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 2016 Server. You’ll be asked to select the language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Then, you need to enter the product key and select the edition that you downloaded earlier. Finally, you’ll need to specify the installation type, partition the hard disk, and select the installation location.
Configuration
Once you’ve installed Windows 2016 Server, you need to configure it to meet your specific needs. Here are some of the key configuration steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Configure Networking
First, you need to configure networking to ensure that your server can communicate with other devices on the network. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center and then selecting the appropriate network adapter. Here, you can configure the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS settings, and other network-related settings.
Step 2: Configure Active Directory
If you’re planning to use Windows 2016 Server for authentication and authorization, you need to configure Active Directory. This involves creating a domain, adding users and groups, and setting up access policies. You can do this by going to Server Manager > Dashboard > Add roles and features and then selecting Active Directory Domain Services.
Step 3: Configure Remote Access
If you want to enable remote access to your server, you need to configure Remote Desktop Services. This involves installing the Remote Desktop Session Host role, creating a Remote Desktop deployment, and configuring Remote Desktop licensing. You can do this by going to Server Manager > Dashboard > Add roles and features and then selecting Remote Desktop Services.
Step 4: Configure Storage
If you want to use Windows 2016 Server as a storage server, you need to configure Storage Spaces. This involves creating virtual disks, adding storage pools, and configuring redundancy options. You can do this by going to Server Manager > File and Storage Services > Storage Pools and then selecting the appropriate options.
Step 5: Configure Backup and Recovery
Finally, you need to configure backup and recovery to ensure that your data is protected in case of data loss or corruption. You can do this by using the built-in Windows Server Backup tool or by using third-party backup and recovery software.
Maintenance
Like any other server operating system, Windows 2016 Server requires regular maintenance to ensure that it stays secure and up-to-date. Here are some of the key maintenance tasks that you need to perform:
Task 1: Install Updates and Patches
Microsoft releases regular updates and patches for Windows 2016 Server to fix security vulnerabilities and bugs. You need to install these updates and patches regularly to ensure that your server stays secure and stable.
Task 2: Monitor System Performance
You need to monitor system performance regularly to ensure that your server is running efficiently. This involves monitoring CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, and network usage. You can use the built-in Performance Monitor tool or third-party monitoring software to monitor system performance.
Task 3: Backup Data Regularly
You need to backup your data regularly to ensure that your data is protected in case of data loss or corruption. You can use the built-in Windows Server Backup tool or third-party backup and recovery software to backup your data.
Task 4: Scan for Malware and Viruses
You need to scan your server regularly for malware and viruses to ensure that your system stays secure. You can use the built-in Windows Defender tool or third-party anti-virus software to scan for malware and viruses.
Task 5: Clean Up Disk Space
You need to clean up disk space regularly to ensure that your server stays fast and efficient. This involves deleting unnecessary files and folders, uninstalling unused applications, and running disk cleanup tools. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool or third-party disk cleanup software to clean up disk space.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between Windows 2016 Server Standard and Datacenter?
The main difference between Windows 2016 Server Standard and Datacenter is the number of virtual machines you can run on a single physical server. Windows 2016 Server Standard allows you to run two virtual machines on a single physical server, while Windows 2016 Server Datacenter allows you to run an unlimited number of virtual machines on a single physical server.
2. Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2016?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2016 using the in-place upgrade feature. This allows you to upgrade your server without losing any data or applications.
3. What is Storage Spaces Direct?
Storage Spaces Direct is a feature of Windows 2016 Server that allows you to create a fault-tolerant storage system using commodity hardware. It allows you to pool together local storage devices and present them as a single storage space to your applications and users.
4. What is Remote Desktop Services?
Remote Desktop Services is a feature of Windows 2016 Server that allows users to access applications and desktops from anywhere on any device. It allows IT administrators to deploy and manage virtual desktops and applications from a central location.
5. Can I use Windows 2016 Server as a web server?
Yes, you can use Windows 2016 Server as a web server by installing the Internet Information Services (IIS) role. IIS allows you to host and manage websites, applications, and web services on your server.
Conclusion
So there you have it, Dev! Everything you need to know about Windows 2016 Server. We’ve covered the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Windows 2016 Server, as well as some of its key features and benefits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced IT professional, Windows 2016 Server is a powerful and flexible server operating system that can help you meet your business needs. So why not give it a try today?