Item: Windows Server
Rating: 10
Author: Michael Craven

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are using Windows Server at our business for multiple uses. First, it is being used as a File Server - allowing us to have a large repository of data without upgrading individual workstations. Second, we are using Windows Server 2016 do to it's ability to perform workstation backups - reliably. The backup function supports Bare-Metal Restore (and has been put the test multiple times and works great!) and also supports deduplication - it only stores 1 copy of each duplicate file from All of our workstations (why take space to store Windows 10 files, etc. multiple times).
They have deprecated that function in Windows Server 2019.

Pros and Cons

Backup of workstations & itself - reliably, consistently, with Bare-Metal Restore and deduplication
File management and Security on a per file/folder/user basis is simple and fully done through an easy GUI
DNS, DHCP server functions are easy to configure using the built-in GUI

Windows Server 2019 has deprecated one of the best and most reliable feature of Server 2016 - workstation backups.
Windows Server 2019 works great with Azure for cloud functionality, but could use more options to work with out cloud providers.

Most Important Features

Security - including NOT having the entire Windows Server codebase open-source (like Linux)
Backup (deprecated after Server 2016)
GUI for administration of Everything. Virtually no need to use the command prompt at all - which is very archaic in my opinion in this day and age.

Return on Investment

Windows Server has made it very simple to maintain my client's central business needs do to Windows Servers simple setup, reliability, and easy administration.
I have been able to setup client's businesses much quicker and easier than when using other Server options.
With no real downtime, timely security updates and outstanding reliability, Windows Server has made my Computer Consulting business look really good!

Key Insights

Do you think Windows Server delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Windows Server's feature set?

Yes

Did Windows Server live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Windows Server go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Windows Server again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Microsoft Office 2016 (discontinued), Veeam Backup & Replication

Likelihood to Recommend

If you have one user or 1000's of users (especially using Windows), Windows Server is a no-brainer! The only reason I would suggest going with a Linux server is if you have old hardware (Windows Server is more process intensive than Linux).
But, Linux is open-source, so anyone can publish updates/security updates, but on the flip side, malicious people also have full access to Linux's codebase allowing for much easier writing of exploitations/viruses/malware/ransomware.

Usability

Everything can (and should) be done through the easy to use/navigate GUI. There is no need for archaic command prompt use to administer the server. But, it is there if you have very specific needs for batch files, etc. that are not covered in the all extensive GUI.

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar	None

Windows Server - It's as simple as that!! Reliable, Full-Featured, Secure, Easy to administer.

Overall Satisfaction with Windows Server