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Windows Server 2012 Metro UI and Server Core Modes

Windows Server 2012 Metro UI and Server Core Modes

By | June 10, 2013

Windows Server 2012 is a fantastic new tool from Microsoft that will enable you to become a more efficient technology provider for your clients. There are an array of new features, including group management enhancements, an improved file system, and new interface options (Metro & Server Core). If you are a channel partner and you’re interested in leveraging Server 2012, Awesome Cloud is proud to offer the upgrade to Server 2012 at no additional cost.

In this blog post we will review the two interfaces, compare the features of each interface, and discuss why we highly recommend that each of our channel partners uses the Metro interface.


Windows Server 2012 Metro UI


Windows Server 2012 Metro UIWindows Server 2012 provides the ability to install and configure the operating system using one of two different modes – the new Metro UI and the traditional Server Core UI. By default, AwesomCloud offers and recommends the Metro UI to each of our channel partners. Although the Server Core UI does have unique benefits, leveraging the Metro UI ensures that you will always maintain remote access to your machines through a remote desktop connection.


The Metro UI also provides many benefits that are not present in the Server Core mode, including:

  • Enhanced Features: The Metro UI provides the ability to install all of the available features in Windows Server 2012.
  • New Interface: Rich user interaction and the ability to visually manipulate the Windows Server 2012 features set are available in the Metro UI.
  • Better Control: The server administrator will always have thorough control over the server environment.

Windows Server 2012 Server Core UI


Windows Server 2012 Server CoreServer Core is the legacy-command-prompt mode, which is often preferred by administrators who like to manage the smallest of details. Awesome Cloud does not recommend using the Server Core mode, because if you lose access to your server, you’ll need to work with our support team to regain access to your server. The Metro UI sidesteps this hurdle by offering always-on remote access. Yes – we are most certainly nudging you away from the Server Core option because the Metro UI offers the highest level of access and usability.


The Server Core mode does have its unique set of benefits. It operates as a stripped-down version of Server 2012, consumes less disk space (roughly 4GB), and has fewer servicing requirements than does the Metro UI mode. Because Server Core is a smaller installation with fewer moving parts, it also benefits from fewer active components and reduced computing resource consumption.


Which Mode is Right For Me?


Server Core is recommended for users who have leaner OS features and capability requirements, whereas Metro provides the entire functionality that Windows Server 2012 offers. Server Core is easier to install, operate, and manage, whereas the Metro mode is bundled with additional features. The table below compares the available functionality in both the versions:

Windows Server 2012 Features Metro Server Core
Power Shell checkbox checkbox
Remote Server Admin checkbox checkbox
Server Manager checkbox checkbox
DHCP Server checkbox checkbox
DNS Server checkbox checkbox
Certificate Services checkbox checkbox
File Services checkbox checkbox
Hyper-V checkbox checkbox
Always on Remote Access checkbox
Metro Interface checkbox
Management Console checkbox
Desktop Experience checkbox

 

Learn More About Windows Server 2012


Regardless of the interface options you use, upgrading to Windows Server 2012 from 2008 or 2003 is available to each of our channel partners at no additional cost. If you’re interested in learning more about Windows Server 2012, reach out via email or by posting a comment below. Let’s keep the conversation going on Twitter using the @awecloud handle.


About Wayne Lansdowne

As Chief Systems Architect, Wayne Lansdowne is responsible for the entire Awesome Cloud Services infrastructure and performance. With over 10 years of experience at the company, Wayne has filled many roles and truly knows the in-and-outs of the business. He started out focused on customer support and progressed into more specialized roles throughout the years.

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