Server 2008 verses 2012

[Pants]

What are the major differences between Server 2008 and 2012? I started learning business support in Server 2003, focusing on AD structures, group policy, security groups, DNS, DHCP..ie foundational type stuff, but I'm going to start learning the newer versions, so if I bought a book on 2012 instead of 2008 would it cause me much confusion? Is it really necessary to learn 2008 before 2012?

I don't care about the user interface, I just want to know the major differences in functionality.

thx


Sorry, that seems like a broad question, judging from the info found here:
http://blogs.technet.com/b/ieitpro/...ws-server-2008-r2-vs-windows-server-2012.aspx

 

[spin]

You're right that's pretty broad question that some quality time with Google and Microsoft.com should answer for you. I have Small Business Server 2011 running the office (that's Server 2008 R2), but I've recently installed a Server 2012 R2 on a test system. Under the covers it appears much the same, but the user interface is completely different. Right now I find it more annoying than anything else. But I haven't done that much with it.

One thing that did strike me was that you can install the server with just command line interface, in fact that seems to be the recommended choice as there are things you can do there that you can't do in the GUI. Perhaps that's a step forward (backward?), but returning to the 90s doesn't sound like a lot of fun to me with syntax of commands, lots of typing, and all of that again. Also I've noticed that if you search for help, even while actually in server 2012, Microsoft will often give you server 2008 pictures and directions which don't work exactly lol. Kind of puts you on the wrong end of the stupid stick again or at least I feel that way trying to do some simple things. Much like Windows 8, perhaps even a bit worse, just trying to install programs and finding some a way to run it seems to be a hit or miss process. My personal opinion is Microsoft seems to feel like if they change something it'll make it better.

Depending on what server roles you install I think there are some significant differences, perhaps some tightening up of the licensing so Microsoft can make more money and restrictions that weren't there before. Again this is just from first glance and a little checking I've done. I'm sure others have much greater experience and can chime in.

 

[bluecoast]

The fundamentals are pretty much the same. AD is still built on DNS, Domain controllers still hold FSMO roles... That said, lots of new stuff is getting added in, DirectAcces, ReFS, powershell, powershell and more powershell. Most of the mgmt panels are now front-ends for powershell commands, anything you can do via GUI, you can do and more with powershell.

I would question if you had bought an 08 book, 2012 is not going away and the features are important to understand, and possibly implement down the road.

I just did a 2012 essentials build over the weekend. Some new things I like, some I don't but that is about what I expected.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Haven't done enough to really get comfy with it yet, a recent 2012 essentials install myself....can't stand the Win8 metro interface. Not fond of that clunky client-add wizard...worse than the old SBS ones. Not fond of that client dashboard it sticks on workstations. Want to fiddle with the built in Azure offsite backup thing...but can't get Microsoft guys to give me a straight answer as to if I can purchase bulk Azure space and container off portions to resell to clients for this type of backup.