Question 1

Do I need to purchase CALS in addition to Windows Server 2012 Essentials?

Accepted Answer

This license is very similar to the SBS editions, you have a 25 user limit for access, but unaware of the ability to purchase additional CAL. Like most Microsoft products, after exceeding the limitations of software they expect for you to choose another option.
The software is very robust for being 'limited' and have deployed this in a SBS environment without any problems. Just remember to keep the roles installed to server to just the basics you need.

Essentials
2 processor
Limited features
Server
25 user limit

Question 2

If I buy this OEM license, how do I get the software installation files? Can it be installed on any compatible hardware or can only be purchased already installed on a computer?

Accepted Answer

The software installation files come on a DVD as part of the packaging with an installation key. It can be installed on any compatible hardware. It is an OEM license which means that it can only be installed on that piece of hardware and cannot be installed on another computer without calling MS with no guarantee of license transfer.

Question 3

Hi there,

Is this true? "a. Doesn't allow you to join to an existing domain, demote it as a Domain Crontroller, DNS server etc... if you have an existing network forget about joining your existing Domain. 
b. Cannot upgrade this license at all."

Model	Windows Server 2012 Essentials
MPN	G3S-00123
Platform	Windows
UPC	885370438918

New Egg-> N82E16832416577
Can you please clarify

warm regards,
Prabakar

Accepted Answer

Essentials only operates as a domain controller, and will not allow other domain controllers to connect to it.  This means you cannot upgrade a domain in place, as you cannot replicate the domain to another server and then demote the essentials server.  This also means you cannot have the essentials server join an existing domain.

Essentials is the new version of SBS.  It is designed for a small offices with less than 25 users and a single server.  If this is your situation and you are not going to outgrow it quickly, then it is a great option that will save you some cash.  If that is not your case, keep looking.  Outgrowing it's capabilities means a painful manual migration.

Question 4

Does the software come with the necessary license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it comes with a license key for the server itself. Windows Server Essentials does not require Client licenses as it internally manages up to 25 users and 50 devices. Using Windows Server in an environment with more that 25 Users/50 Devices will require purchasing Windows Server Standard instead.

Question 5

Hi. I understand that this version has a limitation on remote desktop use to admin account only. Does this mean a limitation on remoting-in to the server itself, or does it prevent standard users from using rdc to remote into their client machines? Appreciate the help thanks :)

Accepted Answer

Standard users can RDP to their client machines without the "server login" restriction.  The can get their through RWW.

Question 6

Does this package supply internet to the desktops?

Accepted Answer

This OS will act as the DNS Server to the network, and will create a domain on which all the computers belong as the Domain Controller. A router is still required to act as the gateway between the internet and your home network. It is possible to configure this OS to be the DHCP server on the network, however the DHCP server role does not play well with the Domain Controller role in my experience and it is better to have the router handle DHCP.

Question 7

? Does the software come in cd form, also do you need to load on other pc's, Say I have ten pc's do all pc require the software to be loaded on each pc. Also wit Essentials 2012 can we control who can print of any of the 10 pc's. Great Video's Thanks for your time and understanding, How Many user can use it before must purchase another license. E Fugate EMF Programs

Accepted Answer

Server 2012 Essentials 2012 comes in DVD format. The client machines will run a connect command from a browser to join the domain. The client machines must run Pro versions of their OS to join the domain. Home versions can use the launch pad application to quickly access shares but cannot join the domain.

You should be able to control who prints by USER login no matter which OS as USERS are still controlled by SERVER as long as the Printers are networked and Added to the SERVER.

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