If you are new to Windows Server and are looking for a new operating system, you might wonder what the difference is between Windows XP and Windows Server. Microsoft's Windows Server is divided into two different channels, Semi-Annual and Long-Term Servicing. The Semi-Annual channel releases every six months with mainstream support lasting about 18 months. While the Long-Term Servicing channel offers extended support and mainstream support for five years.

Features

The NT architecture in Windows Server allows it to run on multiple processors to increase its performance. Later iterations of the server can also be deployed on cloud platforms and data center hardware. Some of the features available on later versions of Windows Server include Active Directory, which automates management of distributed resources and user data. Another notable feature is Server Manager, which enables administrators to manage and change configuration on a local or remote machine. This article looks at the most important features in Windows Server 8.

A key advantage of Windows server is its flexibility. It can run multiple scripts simultaneously, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the server. The system can also run multiple operating systems, reducing the need for multiple servers. If you are planning to run an internet site, Windows server can be an excellent choice for your business. By using this software, you will be saving money while running a server. If you're wondering how Windows server can benefit your business, here are some of the top reasons.

Costs

The costs of Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are similar, but with different pricing and support offerings. While Red Hat offers 24x7 support for all servers, Windows does not. Windows Server is more expensive than Linux, but Red Hat has lower costs and volume purchasing options. The price of Red Hat Enterprise Linux is also lower than that of full retail Windows Server 2003. The price differences between Windows Server and Red Hat are smaller when hardware is taken into account. In this case, the price may not be the most important factor when deciding on the platform for your organization.

Both editions of Windows Server require separate licenses. Standard Edition gives you rights to run up to 2 Hyper-V containers and two Operating System Environments. Additional OSEs require licenses for all physical cores. You can purchase core licenses in twos or 16s. The cost of a license per core is $16 per core. Cores are purchased in packs of two. When buying a license, ensure you buy the right number of cores.

Life cycle

In computing, the Life cycle of Windows Server refers to the number of years that Microsoft will continue to support a given version. While most products have a full life cycle of 10 years, extended and mainstream support will run for five years. Support periods for Windows Server editions are typically shorter, and the period of time between support and upgrade varies with the version. Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to use a specific version of Windows Server in your business.

First of all, know your operating system's life cycle. If you're running Windows Server 2003, you'll likely want to keep it. Support for Windows XP is only four years long, but it's not uncommon for a Windows Server version to last as long as eight. This means you'll want to make sure you've backed up your data and don't run out of space on your system.

Price

The Price of Windows Server has always been a big question for IT managers, especially when it comes to licensing. While Microsoft provides excellent support, the price for Windows Server is astronomical. Depending on the type of business you have, you might end up paying as little as $20 per month for the operating system, or as much as $125 per month. There are a couple of factors that go into determining the cost of Windows Server.

First, you need to know the number of licenses you need. The number of licenses for Windows Server depends on the number of users. The Standard edition of Windows Server requires sixteen core licenses. The Datacenter edition of Windows Server costs about half as much as the Standard edition. The difference in the price between these two editions is about 10 percent. Microsoft offers two different servicing channels. The semiannual channel offers 18 months of support between feature updates.