Windows Server 2016 facts for kids
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| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| OS family | Microsoft Windows |
| Source model | Proprietary software |
| Released to manufacturing |
October 15, 2016 |
| Latest preview | 1607 (10.0.14393.2312) / June 12, 2018 |
| Repository |
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| Kernel type | Hybrid kernel |
| License | Microsoft EULA |
| Preceded by | Windows Server 2012 R2 (2013) |
| Succeeded by | Windows Server 2019 |
| Support status | |
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Windows Server 2016 is a special kind of operating system made by Microsoft. It's designed to run on powerful computers called "servers." These servers help manage computer networks, host websites, and store lots of information for businesses and organizations.
This version of Windows Server is part of the Windows NT family. It was developed at the same time as Windows 10. Microsoft first showed an early test version, called a "Technical Preview," on October 1, 2014. The final version of Windows Server 2016 was released on September 26, 2016. It became available for everyone to use on October 12, 2016.
Windows Server 2016 has newer versions that came after it. These include Windows Server 2019 and a special version that doesn't have a graphical user interface (the pictures and buttons you click on). This means it's controlled mostly by typing commands.
Contents
How Windows Server 2016 Was Made
Microsoft changed how its teams worked together to create Windows Server 2016. Satya Nadella, who leads Microsoft, brought the Server team and the System Center team closer. Before, the Server team worked more with the Windows team that makes the operating system for regular computers.
The team that works on Microsoft Azure, which is Microsoft's cloud computing service, also worked closely with the Server team. This helped make sure Windows Server 2016 worked well with cloud technologies.
In 2017, Microsoft showed a special version of Server 2016. This version could run on a different type of computer chip called ARMv8-A. Normally, Windows Server runs on Intel chips. This test showed that Microsoft was exploring new options. However, Microsoft later said this ARM version was mostly for their own internal use. It was mainly for their Microsoft Azure service.
Early Test Versions
Before the final release, Microsoft let people try out early versions of Windows Server 2016. These are called "preview releases" or "beta" versions. They help developers find and fix problems before the software is finished.
- The first "Windows Server Technical Preview" came out on October 1, 2014. It was for businesses to test.
- Microsoft released "Technical Preview 2" on May 4, 2015.
- "Technical Preview 3" followed on August 19, 2015.
- "Technical Preview 4" was released on November 19, 2015.
- The last test version, "Technical Preview 5," came out on April 27, 2016.
These preview versions helped Microsoft gather feedback and improve the operating system.
Official Release Details
Windows Server 2016 was officially launched at Microsoft's Ignite Conference on September 26, 2016. A big change with this version was how it's licensed. Instead of paying based on the number of CPU sockets (where the main computer chip plugs in), you now pay based on the number of CPU cores.
A CPU core is like a mini-brain inside the main computer chip. This new way of licensing means you need to buy enough licenses to cover all the cores in your server. For example, a standard license covers a minimum number of cores, and if your server has more, you need to buy extra licenses. This change helps make sure the licensing matches how modern computer chips work.
Windows Server, Version 1709
Windows Server, version 1709 was released on October 17, 2017. Microsoft decided to simply call this version "Windows Server." It was made available to customers who already had a Windows Server 2016 license and were part of the Microsoft Software Assurance program.
This version was the first to follow a new update plan called the "Semi-Annual Channel" (SAC). This means it gets updates more often, usually twice a year. Windows Server, version 1709, only offers two ways to install it:
- Server Core: This is a basic version without the usual graphical interface. You control it mostly with text commands. It can be installed directly on a computer.
- Nano Server: This is an even smaller version. It's mainly used as a container, which is a way to run programs in isolated, lightweight environments.
See also
In Spanish: Windows Server 2016 para niños
