Windows Server Services

Server services refer to programs that run on a server to provide various applications for clients. For example, displaying a website, playing a video, or sending an email each requires a separate program.

A Windows Server already includes a large number of server services after the basic installation of the operating system. The number of automatically installed services varies depending on the Windows version used. In newer versions of the operating system, individual services are grouped under specific server roles that can be selected during installation. It is advisable to only install services that are actually needed.

Here is an overview of commonly used server services:

Web Server

Web servers are required to display websites on the server using the HTTP or HTTPS protocol. Individual users connect to the server through their browser and request a specific webpage. The web server then delivers the requested webpage to the browser. The most commonly used web server is Apache, but smaller web servers that consume less performance are also used.

Mail Server

Mail servers are necessary for managing email traffic. The software, usually consisting of multiple modules, handles the sending, receiving, and distribution of emails to the respective users. The classic mail server on Windows with many features is Microsoft Exchange, but there are also a large number of smaller programs with fewer features available as alternatives.

Directory Service

Directory services regulate the structure of data in a network and are also responsible for managing user rights. They are the basis for exchanging data over the network. Microsoft's directory service is called Active Directory.

Database Servers

Database servers are tasked with efficiently and permanently storing large amounts of data. A database management system ensures that required data is quickly retrieved from the database and can be displayed to the user in an organised manner. The most well-known database server is MySQL.

Microsoft IIS

A unique feature of the Windows operating system is the Internet Information Services (IIS) platform. This software is integrated into the operating system and includes server services to perform the key tasks of a server. For example, IIS can be used as a web server or file server without the need to install additional external services.

Windows Server Standard Services

Some of the standard services that can be selected during the installation of the Windows Server operating system include:

• Terminal Services

  Allow an interactive connection, for example via Remote Desktop, from other computers to the server.

• Print Queue

  Manages all print jobs sent to the server locally or over the network.

• Telnet

  Enables users to log in to the computer via TCP/IP Telnet clients and run programs.

Depending on the server's purpose, the server services deployed may vary. Here, every administrator has the opportunity to decide for themselves which software is best suited for the system.

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