Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard

Revised and Ready

If you have a business, you simply can’t spare the expense of a server, regardless of whether you own a conglomerate or a small company. Today’s working climate demands computers in any business venture under the sun, and often times a single machine isn’t going to get you anywhere. The solution, then, is a network of computers that ensures everything is well-connected and working in usion at all times. This calls for pinpoint precision and extensive efficiency.

You get all of that and more with Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard. This revised version introduces useful new features, as well as crucial bug fixes and improvements, guaranteeing the smooth operation of not just your server, but the processes within the software itself as well.

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Key Features in Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard

The Standard edition of Windows Server 2008 R2 is designed with the end purpose of substantially improving the working process and the functionality of the software. A variety of new features have been added, compared its predecessor. Stick around to get a comprehensive look at the new excellent additions which make 2008 R2 Standard a more than worthy contender deserving of the Windows Server badge:

• Server manager console. The new server manager in the R2 Standard edition of Windows Server 2008 represents the Microsoft Management Console, but with a few twists. It grants access to viewing and managing the various virtual tools and functions that are key contributors to the enhanced productivity of your server. 2008 R2 Standard emphasizes on easing the task of navigating and securing multiple server roles in an enterprise. The Server Manager is your trusty, all-in-one tool that keeps everything at an arm’s reach and organized to perfection. It eliminates any requirements of admin intervention during the process of deploying servers. Instead, it offers recommended security settings, giving you the freedom of choosing your approach instead of pigeonholing you into a default option.
• Active Directory Recycle Bin. If you’ve ever used a Windows OS, which is most likely the case, you’re familiar with the handy Recycle Bin. It allows you to take a second look at files you have deleted before you make the final decision to remove them permanently. This feature is now available for servers as well with the 2008 R2 Standard. IT personnel are very often inconvenienced by the lack of efficient recovery options for Active Directory objects. Accidents happen - with the improved functionality offered by the Active Directory Recycle Bin it’s fast and easy to undo deletion mishaps in Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard. Just like your regular Windows!
• Additional networking features. Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard introduces numerous networking enhancements which result in more convenience for the user. You can connect and stay connected, no matter the location or network type with new features like Direct Access, which assists you in securing access to enterprise network without the extra hassle of running a VPN (virtual private network). The improvements don’t stop here, though - there’s plenty more to be explored and utilized in the 2008 R2 iteration of Windows Server, including excellent tools that enable IT professionals to meet their business’ demands to the highest standard.
• Group Policy management made easy with PowerShell. The PowerShell feature is present in Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard, and offers true automated maintenance of Group Policy. You can create cmdlets to your liking with this new addition instead of the workaround that was used in prior versions, which involved use of the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) and numerous scripts. Now you have a set of 25 cmdlets at your disposal that you can use through PowerShell, allowing for quick and clean backup, restoration and configuration of Group Policy objects.
• New and improved ADMX functionality. Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard also features several valuable enhancements to the ADMX editor and various support elements related to it. The ADMX schema has been updated to include the QWORD and MultiSZ registry types, and the ADMX editor itself enjoys a complete overhaul. Improvements to the editor include a resizable window, text clipping prevention and easier access to information such as settings, the Help menu and comments.

Why Should You Own Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard?

If there is a process that isn’t plug-and-play, it’s managing a computer network. It’s voluminous, time-consuming and demands your undivided attention - that’s without mentioning the level of complexity involved. The R2 Standard edition of Microsoft Server 2012 strives to alleviate these challenges in the best possible ways:

• Efficiency. The features and improvements introduced in Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard target many weak points that were known to be flagrant issues in previous versions. These efficient solutions save you not only precious time, but allow for a fluid and effortless process of managing server data and taking necessary actions. Additions like PowerShell and the Recycle Bin make your life easier and speed up otherwise time-consuming and clunky tasks.
• Flexibility. A substantial advantage of the 2008 R2 Standard variant is the variety of new tools and the extensive support it provides. Those of you who can’t afford to be stationary all the time will greatly appreciate the DirectAccess feature. The ADMX improvements on the other hand, address prior issues in an impeccable fashion with the completely revamped editor layout and greater variety in supported registry types.
• Tradition and innovation in one. Upgrades are essential to any server software. However, sometimes new doesn’t mean better. Microsoft has successfully avoided this outcome with Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard. While it brings many new tools and features to the table, the revised edition manages to do so without alienating itself from the signature intuitive, hands-on approach that the platform is known for. This makes it a perfect choice for those of you who value novelty wrapped in a familiar ribbon.

These are minimum system requirements for installing Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard

• Processor - 1.4 GHz and higher (1 GHz and higher for IA-32)
• Memory - 512MB (2GB recommended)
• HDD - at least 32GB available disk space