Server Core is a “minimalist” installation of Server 2008 – it doesn’t even come with a graphical user interface! The idea is that you only install the services you need.
The benefits of a Server Core installation are reduced attack surface and reduced patch surface. Troubleshooting should be easier, as well, and we would expect increased stability because of the smaller code footprint. Finally, Server Core is not as demanding as “regular” Server 2008 versions when it comes to hardware requirements.
Server Core does require a clean install. It supports many, but not all, of the important server roles, including Active Directory Domain Services, AD Lightweight Domain Services, DHCP, DNS, file services, print services, and streaming media services. It does not support Certificate Services, Federation Services, nor Rights Management Services. (Betas did not support IIS, but support for IIS on Server Core was added before the release of final code.)
The other point to note when considering Server Core for your migration is that there is no managed code support. The .NET framework is not present, and PowerShell is not available.
You’ll need to use some command-line tools to configure and maintain Server Core, although the remoteable MMC snap-ins (which is most of them) can be run from other servers, or from workstations running Vista SP1, to manage Server Core systems. Microsoft provides a special built-in script, SCREGEDIT.WSF, to handle tasks such as enabling automatic updates, allowing Remote Administration connections, and setting Windows Error Reporting options.
In addition to all of the above, you can access Server Core systems via a remote command line using Windows Remote Management (WinRM) and Windows Remote Shell (WinRS).
See recent blog posts…
The Laundry List of Key Server 2008 Features
WS 2008 Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Tools
New Group Policy Settings in WS2008 – A powerful toolset
