Buying Windows Server 2008 R2: the reliable and inexpensive basis for a network

Users who buy Windows Server 2008 R2 get an inexpensive and reliable operating system that serves as the basis for their own network. It is therefore excellent for freelancers, self-employed, small businesses and organizations, as well as for individuals who have a plan to do so. On board are all functions and other features that are essential for server operation. The close relationship with Windows 7 also makes the operating system beginner-friendly.

Buy Windows Server 2008 R2: the most important product features at a glance

- low resource requirements
- virtual machines can be set up
- network management can be carried out in various modes
- core parking for efficient power management
- support for up to 256 cores
- user and device licenses available
- Powershell 2.0 for task automation and configuration management
- choice between standard and enterprise version

Buy Windows Server 2008 R2: Explanation of the task of the operating system

Windows Server 2008 R2 already contains the hint of its core task in its name: the operating system is used on a server. Such a computer is the manager of a network. It regulates and controls the flow of information between the devices involved. For this purpose, the software requires special functions: These are exactly what you get when you buy Windows Server 2008 R2 at a low price from us. The operating system is based on Windows 7 and is therefore very easy to use, even for beginners. It can manage participating computers in a network that use Windows 2000, ME, Vista, 7, 8.1 or 10.

Use Windows Server 2008 R2: Buy USER CAL 2008 or DEVICE CAL 2008?

If you are interested in Windows Server 2008 R2, you can buy a DEVICE CAL 2008 or a USER CAL 2008. The abbreviation stands for "Client Access License". This is bound in the "User" form to a certain user. He can therefore take it from one device to another. However, no other person can use it. The "device" form is the exact opposite: it is tied to a computer, but can be used on it in general. In data centers, device licenses are advisable. For companies and individuals, user CALs usually make more sense. In any case, computers must meet certain requirements to support Windows Server 2008 R2. However, compared to modern computers, these requirements are very low. The computer acting as the server must be x64-compatible. The RAM must be at least 8 GB. More RAM can be used without any problems, of course. The required hard disk space is 32 GB.

Buy a license for Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard or Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise?

The operating system exists in two variants. You can buy a license for Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise or Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard. The target groups are already included in the name. The Enterprise version is aimed at medium and large companies. The Standard variant of the operating system is intended for all other users. Inevitably, the question of the differences arises. Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise has three additional functions compared to the standard version: 1. Hot Add Memory function: The main memory can be expanded while the system is running. 2. DirectAccess: Direct access to participating machines in the network is possible. 3. Active Directory Federation Services: Users can be given "single sign on" access to the entire system or individual applications. This relaxes daily workflows. Users can also be deleted again quickly and easily.

Security as a holistic network task

Protection against unauthorized access plays an important role in Windows Server 2008 R2 - in both the Standard and Enterprise Editions. The operating system understands security as a holistic network task. Access to it is continuously monitored by means of "Network Access Protection". "BitLocker" allows files to be encrypted in order to secure them. Even if they were stolen, thieves would not gain access. The fact that virtual machines can be set up with the server operating system means that secure environments can be created to test any infected software. At the same time, multiple users can also share the identical hardware in this way and use it as separate systems.

Effective network management

Windows Server 2008 R2 has a whole range of tools for effective network management. Core parking, for example, is worth mentioning in this regard: The operating system supports up to 256 processor cores. Not all of them are needed at all times. To save energy, the system therefore switches off the cores that are not needed. If they are needed again, Windows Server 2008 R2 starts them up in a fraction of a second. Users usually don't notice this clever energy-saving option. Another example is Core Server. In this mode, the operating system works without a graphical user interface. It simply runs automatically in the background. To do this as efficiently as possible, Powershell 2.0 is on board. The engine allows the automation of tasks and configuration management. Put simply, this is a way to build a network that simply works. This is ideal for offices or simple home networks, for example.

Old, but not obsolete

Windows Server 2008 R2 already reveals through its name that it is not the most modern operating system for managing networks that manufacturer Microsoft offers. However, its age should not give the false impression that the system is outdated. For a large number of users, it provides exactly what they need in a cost-effective manner.