2. Server with a GUI Install
The Server with a GUI installation option is equivalent to the Full Installation mode in
Server 2008 R2. This option installs the full Windows Server standard
interface and all of the management tools.
The Server 2012 interface includes the modern UI–style appearance
of the Windows 8 client. However, support for Windows 8–style apps is
not enabled by default. To enable it, you must install the Desktop Experience feature.
Server with a GUI deployment requires about 4 GB more space than a
Server Core installation. As with the Server Core installation mode, you
are not stuck with the GUI interface if you choose to initially set up
your server in Server with a GUI mode.
Many server administrators still feel more comfortable managing a
server with the full graphical interface; however, as mentioned, there
are advantages to using PowerShell to automate routine management tasks.
If you have a relatively small network (fewer than 250 users and
devices) to manage, and don’t have a lot of experience with PowerShell,
you may just want to get acquainted with Server 2012 through the GUI.
You can always access and learn PowerShell later.
The beginning steps for performing a Server with a GUI install are
similar to the Server Core installation process.
Server with a GUI installation procedures
In all likelihood, the Server with a GUI option is the install mode most server
administrators will go with, especially when installing or upgrading
Server 2012 for the first time.
Microsoft cites good reasons for its recommendation to install
Server Core mode rather than the full GUI, such as security, saving on
system resources, and even automating some tasks. However, I prefer
having a full GUI. With GUI mode, you can always launch PowerShell. My
preference is to have all management tools available. If
you are a PowerShell guru who can script in your sleep, there are
definite benefits, as stated, with a Server Core install. If you
aren’t proficient in PowerShell, a full GUI is the way to go—at least
while you get acquainted with Server 2012.
The initial steps for a Server with a GUI install are the same
as a Server Core install: insert your installation media into the
server to boot into the install wizard, where you’ll select install
preferences and launch the install. The only difference is that the
“Server with a GUI” option is selected instead of the “Server Core”
option.
As with a Server Core install, you accept license terms, set up
your partitions and drive configuration, and simply follow the install
wizard.
After the GUI mode install finishes, you’ll see the
Ctrl-Alt-Delete page, which pulls up the login screen (see Figure 11). This page is the first
introduction to the new Windows 8–style look in Server 2012.
Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to bring up the local Administrator login screen, as shown in Figure 12.
After login, Windows Services loads, personalized settings are
established, and you are brought to the Server 2012 desktop. The
Server Manager dashboard opens by default (see Figure 13). Server Manager has a
tile-based interface refreshed from Server 2008 R2.
