2.2. Introducing Server Core

Server Core is an installation of Windows Server 2008 that installs only what is necessary to support the installed services. Instead of a full GUI, only the command line is available for configuration. You can think of Server Core as "Windows without windows."

Although you can do a lot via the command line, expect to do most of the administration of Server Core remotely. Because of this, configuring Server Core for remote administration becomes very important.

Many IT departments and administrators will see two primary benefits of Server Core: increased security due to a reduced attack surface and a simpler installation due to fewer drivers and services being installed:

Reduced attack surface

Since Server Core ...

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