Please explain how to update to Windows Server 2012

[nflesher87]

Hey folks I have an older server in my office that I need to update. I'm great with personal PCs but a complete noob when it comes to servers. Can anyone explain all of this CAL stuff and point me in the direction of the lowest cost option to update?
I have one server that 5 workstations use for our dental practice management software. Lmk if there is any other pertinent information you need. TIA!

 

[newtekie1]

You need a CAL for every computer that will be accessing the server. So buy Server 2012R2 and 5 CALs, convienently CALs come in 5 packs.

 

[nflesher87]

ugh, so freakin expensive!

 

[nflesher87]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093CBTOM/?tag=tec06d-20
Can I get away with OEM?

 

[kenkickr]

2012 Essentials lets you have up to 25 users and 50 devices without purchasing CAL licenses but depending on your needs may be limiting: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com...rver-2012-essentials-with-more-than-25-users/

 

[qubit]

You need a CAL for every computer that will be accessing the server. So buy Server 2012R2 and 5 CALs, convienently CALs come in 5 packs.

Doesn't it come with 5 cals as standard? I've often seen it sold like that. Note that I'm talking about older versions.

 

[newtekie1]

Doesn't it come with 5 cals as standard? I've often seen it sold like that. Note that I'm talking about older versions.

No, the base license does not include CALs anymore.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093CBTOM/?tag=tec06d-20
Can I get away with OEM?

Yes. They are about $20 cheaper at newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416559

 

[nflesher87]

And just to clarify, the workstations have windows 10 on them. I still need a CAL for each workstation?

 

[newtekie1]

Yes.

 

[Mindweaver]

Just remember that you don't have to install the user and device cals in Server 2012. It's an honor system. You just have to have them physically at your company. I have my Companies user cals in the server room in a filing cabinet. If you need RDS then you'll have to purchase those CALS and install them on the server. They are not an honor system. RDS (Remote Desktop Services) is a lot more expensive than user cals, and device cals. You would need RDS for Remote desktop and Terminal Server access (If you use Remote Desktop or Terminal Server).

 

[qubit]

Just remember that you don't have to install the user and device cals in Server 2012. It's an honor system.

Ah, handy for testing...

 

[nflesher87]

Thanks folks. Next question. Any idea where I can find some low density server ram? I'm sure there's plenty used floating around.
The server only has 4gb right now and I'd like to increase that.
Needing low density DDR3 Server 1333 ECC Unbuffered. Server is supposed to support up to 32gb and has 6 slots.

 

[t_ski]

That's a weird number. To get 32GB you'd need 4x8GB or 8x4GB, but you said it only has six slots. If you have 4GB sticks, the most you can do is 24GB, and if it takes 8GB sticks it can only use four.

Not that it matters much anyway, as you probably don't need a ton. In my virtual environment I don't think I have any servers with more that 8GB total ram, unless they are a database server or one that is running a lot of connections (like an SCCM box or a vRealize analytics box). Most file servers can get away with 2-4GB and most application servers get away with 2-8GB. As for where to get it cheap, probably used sticks here on the forums or ebay.

Are you updating the server just to get an out of support OS out of your environment? Make sure your dental software can work with it first.

 

[nflesher87]

I was actually planning to do some memory usage monitoring in order to determine whether an upgrade is even necessary. It is just a file server so maybe I really am fine with 4gb.
The current problem is that I need to be HIPAA compliant in order to provide internet access to the server and the current OS is not supported by microsoft updates anymore.

 

[t_ski]

Being HIPAA compliant is a whole new ball of wax. Anything internet facing + patient data =

Make sure you limit access as much as possible, make services run under non-admin accounts whenever possible, disable any unnecessary services/ports/etc., make sure you have a strong (and properly configured) firewall, make sure you have regular backups, and for God's sake make sure users don't have admin rights. Limit what data users can write to on the file server to only what is needed.

When it comes to server environments, "least required access" is a good rule of thumb and security best practice, especially with these cryto viruses and randsomware. If possible, you can go as far as disable internet browsing on any machine that has access to patient data. The last thing you want is some "user" getting their computer infected and locking up the file server with all of your patient data. Unless internet access is absolutely necessary, it's a great idea in a small business to make sure people aren't screwing around on company time, too.

/end rant

 

[nflesher87]

Well put. Thanks brother! I am definitely going to reiterate limiting internet usage. Fortunately my staff tend to do that on their phone anyway (a different problem lol)

 

[t_ski]

That is a different story, but on their devices is better than on mine.

Anyway, here's a TechNet article for you:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/dn527667.aspx

Remember that if the system is running a 32-bit OS, there is no way to do an in-place upgrade, as the newest OS is 64-bit only (can't go 32-bit to 64-bit). And if this server is by some chance a domain controller in a domain, there are other considerations as well.

Depending on what this system is running and how old it is, it may be easier to replace.

 

[Solaris17]

Please do not install any more than is needful on your server. @t_ski has some great pointers. Personally I would run 8GB at the minimum to answer your question from prior about memory some boards can be finicky I personally build on super micros and I have used Mushkin proline 1333 ECC sticks.

These are the exact ones I bought.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1K645W2191