Word of the Day: Windows Server Core

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |February 1, 2018

Windows Server Core Windows Server Core is a minimal installation option for the Windows Server operating system (OS). It does not have a graphical user interface (GUI) and only includes those components required to perform server roles and run applications. The smaller code base in Server Core reduces the amount of resources required to run the OS, takes up less disk space and lowers Server Core's exposure to outside threats. Removing the GUI frees more RAM and compute resources on the server and allows it to run more -- or more demanding -- workloads, which can benefit highly virtualized environments. The full Windows Server 2016 RTM installation takes about 10 GB of disk space, while the Server Core installation takes up about 6 GB of disk space. With fewer processes and services running the OS, there is less chance that an attacker can use an unpatched exploit to enter the organization's network. Server Core eases management overhead with fewer configuration options to limit the issues that occur when an administrator applies an incorrect setting. Server Core management can challenge less technically adept IT pros. The lack of a GUI requires the administrator to have a high level of proficiency with PowerShell. An organization needs to perform a thorough test of workloads on Server Core to ensure there are no issues with remote management before a move to the production environment. Read more... Quote of the Day "Some companies that want to implement Server Core will be content to use remote management, but PowerShell will unlock the full potential of this server OS deployment." - Brian Kirsch   Trending Terms GUI Microsoft Nano Server PowerShell RSAT Microsoft Windows Containers Microsoft Hyper-V Manager     Learning Center Server Core management remains a challenge for some Server Core management requires some PowerShell expertise, but wizards that generate code can give admins a place to start in their scripting journey. Navigate the pros and cons of Windows Server Core Use Windows Server Core to reduce VM overhead, but be wary of increasing density of VMs per host, as that can lead to serious issues. Configure a Server Core installation with the Server Configuration Tool The Microsoft Server Configuration Tool, also known as Sconfig.cmd, performs initial configurations for a Server Core installation. Server Core installation offers perks, challenges for IT A Server Core installation runs Windows Server 2016 without a GUI, which reduces resource demands but can require new management skills for the IT staff. How does Windows Nano Server differ from Windows Server Core? Windows Nano Server is Microsoft's attempt to develop a server OS that takes up fewer resources and should require less patching. Writing for Business If you're not _______ well-versed in microservices and containers, you're running at the back of the pack. a. already b. all ready Answer   Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.