Microsoft Windows Server 2012 is a part of the Microsoft family and it is the fifth version of the Windows Server Operating System. This version of the windows that are based on Windows 8 and then succeeds in Windows 7 based on Windows server 2008 R2 which was released two years prior to it. In general, the Windows 2012 has received great reviews despite having the A Metro-based user interface that was seen in Windows 8.
The features of the Microsoft Windows Server 2012 are the Installation options, that unlike its predecessors, this Windows Server can get switched between the Server Core and the Server with a GUI option for installation. The third installation option which allows the GUI elements like the MMC and the Server Manager to run, but without having the normal desktop, default programs or shell and File Explorer.
Task Manager:
In the new version of the task manager, by default, the tabs are hidden and they show the applications only, whereas, in the new Processes tab, they are displayed in shades of yellow and even darker shades based on the used resources. The information's that was found in the older versions is now moved and placed in the Details tab. Here, the performance tab shows the CPU, Memory, Disk, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet graphs. The task manager that is new in this case, recognizes the time that the Windows Store app has a Suspended status.
Active Directory:
From the version that has been shipped from the Windows Server 2008 R2, the Windows Server 2012 has got several changes. GUI has been added in the Active Directory Recycle Bin and it is placed instead of Active Directory Domain Manager. Here, in this domain, there is a great option to choose and set multiple passwords policies. There is no need to download the Active Directory Federation Services when it is installed just as a role and it has been introduced into the Kerberos token. You can view the Active Directory Administrative in the PowerShell History Viewer.
Hyper-V:
Along with the Windows 8, the Windows Server 2012 has included a new version of Hyper-V as it was presented in the Microsoft Build event. New features have been added to the Hyper-V, that include the virtualization of network, multitenancy, cross-premises connectivity, and cloud backup. On Windows 8, Slat is a processor that is required for the Hyper-V and for Windows Server 2012 it is needed only for the RemoteFX role.
Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0:
This unique protocol has a function like Adaptive Graphics, Automatic selection of the TCP or the UDP, multi-touch support, and USB redirection, etc. The connection button is shown in the RDP connection bar of the client for the RDP 8.0 connections. After clicking on it, you will get further information about the connection.
ReFS:
ReFS or better known as Resilient File System, code-named as Protogon, in the Windows Server 2012 is a completely new file system. ReFS, in the beginning were file servers that used to improve on NTFS. New features of the ReFS include the Built-in resilience, reliability for on-disk structures and IIS 8.
Improved reliability for on-disk constructions:
B+ trees is used by ReFS for all the structures that are on disk which include the metadata, and the file data. By the hierarchical allocator, free space is counted that includes three tables of small, medium, and large chunks. The names of the files and the paths are limited up to 32 KB Unicode string of text.
Compatibility with existing APIs and technology:
Most system filters do work with ReFS and the ReFS doesn't need new system APIs. Support for the streamed named is not implemented in the Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 R2. ReFS support existing Windows as well as NTFS features such as the BitLocker Encryption, USN Journal, file IDs, and volume snapshots. Some NTFS features are not being supported in the ReFS like the short names, user data transaction, hard links, and disk quotas. In the mirrored spaces, the error correction is only supported in the Windows Server 2012.
IP address management (IPAM):
The IPAM is used to manage the Domain Name System and the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol servers. IPv and IPv4 are both entirely supported.
IIS 8.0:
The Windows Server 2012 contains Internet Information Services which are the 8.0 version. This new version has new features like the SNI, CPU usage caps,Web Socket support and centralized management of the certificate of SSL.
