Windows Server is a combination of server based operating systems released by Microsoft Corporation. The very first version of server edition was introduced with Windows NT 3.1 and followed by Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4.0 server, Windows 2000 server and more versions. Afterwards Win server came with lots of upgraded features which we are going to discuss here, about different versions of windows server operating system and their features.
Windows 2000 server was the 5th released version in Microsoft server line and it was the last which displays the name as “Windows NT”. Windows 2000 Server appeared with plenty of features like Active Directory to store the information about user or group, and NTFS 3.0 File system with file system level encryption.
Windows Server 2003 was the 6th in the Microsoft Server family and it was released on April 24, 2003. It added the XP GUI, stability improvements, better security, an enhanced active directory service, and provide a backup system to restore files.
Windows Server 2003 R2 is the successor to Windows server 2003, released on December 6, 2005. It was released with lots of new and optional features like Centralized management tools, Active Directory Federation Service which provides Single-Sign-On (SSO) and the most notable feature is Server Virtualization.
Windows Server 2008 R2 was the 9th server based operating system which was released officially on October 22, 2009. It was the predecessor of windows server 2008. Windows 7 and win server 2008 R2 both built on the same kernel. Server 2008 R2 released with a new active directory with capabilities like recycle bin .NET frame Work, PowerShell and many more.
Windows Server 2012 R2 introduced in year 2013 along with Windows 8.1. It was released with lots of upgraded features including Start button, Windows PowerShell v4 and provides more security by built in antivirus i.e. Windows Defender etc.
Windows server 2016 will come with lots of new technology and features like Nano Servers, Soft Restart, Storage Replica, ReFS and many more. Microsoft is still working to make windows server 2016 incredible. Win Server 2016 will launch soon with a ton of upgraded features.
Windows Server Operating System Versions over the years:
The NT Era- 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Windows NT Server 3.1 is a 32-bit operating system developed by Microsoft in 1993. It is the first version of Windows NT family and the first server based product as well as first to introduce NTFS File System.
• Windows NT Server 3.5 launched in 1994. It was the second server product in the NT family. It also includes an integrated support for Winsock and TCP/IP, which was a great improvement on NT 3.1.
• Windows NT Server 3.51 is the third edition of Microsoft’s Windows NT Server OS line. It was released in 1995 and came with an added client/server support.
• Windows NT 4.0 was the fourth edition of windows server in NT line. It was released on 31 July 1996, with Windows Shell and introduced with “My” word like My computer, My documents etc.
• Windows NT Server 3.5 launched in 1994. It was the second server product in the NT family. It also includes an integrated support for Winsock and TCP/IP, which was a great improvement on NT 3.1.
• Windows NT Server 3.51 is the third edition of Microsoft’s Windows NT Server OS line. It was released in 1995 and came with an added client/server support.
• Windows NT 4.0 was the fourth edition of windows server in NT line. It was released on 31 July 1996, with Windows Shell and introduced with “My” word like My computer, My documents etc.
An Active Directory Era- Windows 2000, 2003, 2003 R2 Server
Windows Server 2003 was the 6th in the Microsoft Server family and it was released on April 24, 2003. It added the XP GUI, stability improvements, better security, an enhanced active directory service, and provide a backup system to restore files.
Windows Server 2003 R2 is the successor to Windows server 2003, released on December 6, 2005. It was released with lots of new and optional features like Centralized management tools, Active Directory Federation Service which provides Single-Sign-On (SSO) and the most notable feature is Server Virtualization.
Hyper-V Virtualization Era- Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008, was released officially on February 27, 2008 by Microsoft. It came next after Windows server 2003 R2. Win server 2008 feature includes a new Active Directory roles with identity, certificate, Self-healing NTFS which provides a better way to save file from corruption, and Hyper-V to make several virtual machines without any additional software.
Windows Server 2008 R2 was the 9th server based operating system which was released officially on October 22, 2009. It was the predecessor of windows server 2008. Windows 7 and win server 2008 R2 both built on the same kernel. Server 2008 R2 released with a new active directory with capabilities like recycle bin .NET frame Work, PowerShell and many more.
Digital Streaming with Windows Home Server
Windows Home server was officially released on 4 November 2007 by Microsoft. Home servers are planned to be a solution for home with multiple connected Pcs to share files like music, videos, documents, automated backups and remotely access. It also provides the ability to stream media over the network.
ReFS Arrival with Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2
Windows server 2012 was the next Server OS which replaced 2008 R2. It was the server version of Windows 8 which released by Microsoft on September 4, 2012. Server 2012 was launched with some new features like ReFS (Resilient File System) and also with an enhanced Hyper-V with multiple features including cloud backup, network virtualization etc.
Windows Server 2012 R2 introduced in year 2013 along with Windows 8.1. It was released with lots of upgraded features including Start button, Windows PowerShell v4 and provides more security by built in antivirus i.e. Windows Defender etc.
The Cloud Era- Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 is an upcoming & most awaiting server operating system of Microsoft which is expected to release in early 2016. It was developed concurrently with Windows 10 operating system but not released simultaneously with it.
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