Chapter 6: Windows Server Core

Overview

When you try to install Microsoft Windows Server 2008 manually from media on a system, you’re presented with two installation options to choose from:

• A full installation of the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 operating system

• A Windows server core installation of the Windows Server 2008 operating system Selecting the first option means you get the type of Windows server you’re used to, with its full slate of GUI tools, support for the .NET Framework, and support for a wide range of possible roles and features you can install on your machine. But what if you select the second option? What’s a Windows server core installation of Windows Server 2008? And how does this differ from a full installation of the product? Well, that’s what this chapter is all about-read on!