Operating System
An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software. It is a very powerful program for all the computers and similar devices like your laptops, smartphones, tablets, and your smartwatches .When a user starts a computer, portions of the operating system are copied into memory from the computer’s hard disk. These parts of the operating system remain in memory while the computer is on.
Types of operating systems:
Personal computers usually use these three operating systems
- macOS
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
Windows OS(Desktop)
Windows Desktop OS is actually installed on a Client Platform. The basic usage of a typical desktop is to run client applications like Office related Applications, Web Browser, Playing a Video/Audio and using various hardware features like using the USB ports, Bluetooth etc. People use personal computers or terminals to access data, information, and programs on a server.
Windows Server 2012/16
A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information. Servers support from two to several thousand connected computers at the same time.In case of Server OS, our main need is to make it working for 24×7 as a typical server or some server like roles. We need to make it working with various domains. A Server OS should provide the best from the processor and Memory.
Difference between Window Desktop OS and Windows Server
Server OS is an upgraded version of Desktop OS. Windows Server OS basically cannot be compared in that way with Desktop OS as their needs are different. Desktop OS can run Adobe Photoshop very smoothly, but a Server OS with 4 times or more RAM and processing power cannot run it. On the other hand, Server OS is optimized for network related applications, it can basically support unlimited user connections. Windows operating system can only handle up to 10 or 20 connections, but windows server has a much higher number in that regard. Some servers can handle up to 65535 connections.
Server OS by default gives a remote administration starting from its installation, if you install WordPress on Server OS, it is not possible to access the folders or directories from the browser.
Windows servers are designed to prioritize tasks that are being performed in the background as compared to the functions that are being performed in the foreground. In the Windows operating system by default, foreground activities are given priority. Although the priority can be changed according to your needs, still, the performance difference between the two is significant.
In technical terminology, Server OS is optimized for running the backend services like DHCP, DNS etc. which are main need for being a Server.
References: What is the difference between the Windows OS and Windows server? (quickstart.com)
Server OS and Desktop OS : Prominent Differences (thecustomizewindows.com)