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What is a Server Core installation?

The Server Core installation option is a new option that you can use for installing Windows Server 2008. A Server Core installation provides a minimal environment for running specific server roles, which reduces the maintenance and management requirements and the attack surface for those server roles.

A server running a Server Core installation supports the following server roles:

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)
• DHCP Server
• DNS Server
• File Services
• Hyper-V
• Print Services
• Streaming Media Services
• Web Server (IIS)

To accomplish this, the Server Core installation option installs only the subset of the binary files that are required by the supported server roles. For example, the Explorer shell is not installed as part of a Server Core installation. Instead, the default user interface for a server running a Server Core installation is the command prompt.

What’s new in the Server Core installation option?

The Server Core installation option of Windows Server 2008 requires initial configuration at a command prompt. A Server Core installation does not include the traditional full graphical user interface. Once you have configured the server, you can manage it locally at a command prompt or remotely using a Terminal Server connection. You can also manage the server remotely using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) or command-line tools that support remote use.

Who should use this guide?

The target audience for the Server Core installation option of Windows Server 2008 includes:

• IT planners and analysts who are technically evaluating the product.
• Enterprise IT planners and designers for organizations.
• IT professionals who are managing the AD DS, AD LDS, DHCP Server, DNS Server, File Services, Print Services, Streaming Media Services, and Web Server (IIS) roles.

Server Core Installation Option of Windows Server 2008 Step-By-Step Guide