MicrosoftWindowsWindows Server
Microsoft has been making client operating systems since 1985, when Windows 1.01 was first launched.
However, the first server was not released till 1993 after the introduction of New Technology (NT).
Windows Servers are used for enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
Using this group of operating systems, administrators can apply and implement policies while enhancing their networks security infrastructure.
Table of Contents
A common misunderstanding some people have is between the Server versions and their editions.
For example, previously, Microsoft named a server version Windows NT 3.5 or Windows NT 4.0.
Now, they use Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2019.
If you are confusing this with theServer editions, press the link to read more about it.
Windows Server Timeline
The image below illustrates when a Windows Server version was initially released.
you might then continue to read below to understand how each of these is different.
32-bit.Windows NT 3.51994NoSupports Unix and Novell Netware connectivity.
Let us now dig into the details of each version.
Moreover, the first version ever to be released publicly wasnt version 1, but it was 3.1.
Before that, Servers were only offered as a single, standard edition.
Windows NT Server 3.1
Windows NT Server 3.1 was the first Server by Microsoft.
This was an operating system with a 32-bit architecture that was released in 1993.
This was released in 2 variants: one for Terminals and another for Servers.
The version for Servers is what evolved into the Server family which continues to date.
Windows NT Server 3.5
Microsoft then skipped directly to version 3.5.
This was a major feature for the sustainability of NT Servers since they were relatively new to the market.
This included theInternet Information Server (IIS)which was in direct competition with Apache HTTP Server.
Furthermore, Microsoft also added the Transaction Server and the Message Queue Server to improve the OS.
For example, Windows Server 2000 was released in the year 2000.
This version mostly focused on enhancing the security of the OS as well as the web link.
It introduced Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) for user authentication.
It also included Remote Desktop Services for the very first time on a Server OS.
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 included better features for off-site server integration.
This was mainly done by Microsoft so it can be integrated with cloud servers and services.
Furthermore, they also updated the storage system with this OS, which was mediated by Hyper-V itself.
Not only that, but the Hyper-V virtual switch and Hyper-V Replica were also introduced in Server 2012.
It also included updates to Windows PowerShell.
Virtualization and storage technologies were also overhauled and the Web services were enhanced.
An encryption system was also added for Hyper-V to secure the VMs.
Another milestone for Microsoft was the support forcontainers.
Server 2016 also included the web connection Controller.
This enabled administrators to manage both physical as well as virtual web link devices using a single console.
However, this feature is only available in theDatacenter edition.
This facility aims to obtain all the functions of a miniature data center without the additional hardware costs.
you’re able to read more about other enhancements and improvements in our post forServer 2019.
This includes Azure Arc, which is used to manage and govern on-prem servers within Microsoft Azure.
Furthermore, it also includes support for hotpatching which is installing updates without having to reboot the target PC.
Improvements to networking have also been improved by the inclusion of software-defined networking capabilities.
Supports SMB over QUIC capability for safer communications.
Its designed for VPN replacement and relies on UDP and TLS 1.3 protocols for faster and safer communication.
you could read more about other enhancements and improvements in our post forServer 2022.
It also includes updates to Active Directory and SMB protocols, improving security and efficiency.
Its still in Public Preview and will be released soon.
You candownload Windows Server 2025 now.
Final Thoughts
Windows Server has come a long way since its debut in 1993.
This has improved UI as well as many other functional improvements for manageability.
Each of these versions then had different variants, which are known aseditions.
You may hit the link to learn about the different editions and how they differ from one another.
But it doesnt end here.
The Datacenter and Standard editions also come with different variants which are theCore and Desktop Experiencevariants.
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