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Server 2012 Essentials or Server 2012 Foundation?

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  • Streaming
  • Business Computing
  • Servers
Last response: in Business Computing
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September 19, 2013 8:44:37 AM

I'm looking to replace my current server at home. (I'm posting in this forum due to the fact the OS's are business server OS's.) I currently have WHS 2011. I'm looking to transition to another OS. I would pick Essentials due to the fact it's basically the same thing. But I do not like the fact that my home PC's will have to be on a domain. (Just don't like it). Foundation Server sounds like it might fit the bill. I cannot find any concrete information on it though.

    I need to know if it supports media streaming through Remote Web Access (also, do you need another license to use this?)?

    Does it support streaming to other multimedia devices such as an XBOX?


Thanks!

More about : server 2012 essentials server 2012 foundation

September 19, 2013 9:36:24 AM

Just because the Windows Server 2012 Essentials supports Domain Controller services doesn't mean that you have to have your network on a domain. It's just a role that your server CAN provide if you so wish. However, everything will still work perfectly fine in a workgroup instead as normal. From what I have heard and understand, Foundation is not readily available for just anyone. It's only available for certain organizations which much apply for access to this cheaper version. Basically to upgrade WHS 2011, your next best option is either Windows 8, or Server 2012 Essentials.
September 19, 2013 9:44:23 AM

choucove said:
Just because the Windows Server 2012 Essentials supports Domain Controller services doesn't mean that you have to have your network on a domain. It's just a role that your server CAN provide if you so wish. However, everything will still work perfectly fine in a workgroup instead as normal. From what I have heard and understand, Foundation is not readily available for just anyone. It's only available for certain organizations which much apply for access to this cheaper version. Basically to upgrade WHS 2011, your next best option is either Windows 8, or Server 2012 Essentials.


So the "Connector" software as it was called in WHS will still work and backup PC's that are not joined to the domain? That was my concern. I've read some articles that say you "have to" join the domain. If that's not true that'd be great. For the products I am looking at Foundation is an option but I'd prefer Essentials. Also, do you have any idea of the R2 release date for Essentials? Do you use Essentials? One last thing- They always said don't use anything outside of the Dashboard in WHS, is the same true for Essentials. I am a systems admin and would like to have the ability to access other areas of the server. Thanks

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September 19, 2013 1:29:26 PM

I haven't personally used Server 2012 Essentials because pretty much every business server rollout we need to to utilize Hyper-V for virtualization, which isn't available in the Essentials version of Server 2012. I have heard that it is very simple still to pick up and learn, and no you don't have to stay within the Dashboard. We often utilize features, tools, and other areas of WS2012 outside the Dashboard. It does just make for a nice centralized location to access much of the information, but not 100% of everything can be done there.

So far I haven't heard anything on a R2 release date, though I would imagine sometime around the release date of Windows 8.1. It would be good to hear from any others on the forum, though, if they have heard something more definitive.
September 19, 2013 1:41:54 PM

choucove said:
I haven't personally used Server 2012 Essentials because pretty much every business server rollout we need to to utilize Hyper-V for virtualization, which isn't available in the Essentials version of Server 2012. I have heard that it is very simple still to pick up and learn, and no you don't have to stay within the Dashboard. We often utilize features, tools, and other areas of WS2012 outside the Dashboard. It does just make for a nice centralized location to access much of the information, but not 100% of everything can be done there.

So far I haven't heard anything on a R2 release date, though I would imagine sometime around the release date of Windows 8.1. It would be good to hear from any others on the forum, though, if they have heard something more definitive.


If someone has used it without the PC's joined to the domain and had successful PC backups please let me know. Thanks
!