Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Overview

Unlike the NAS OS we have become used to, things aren’t exactly as easy to find.  It doesn’t mean it’s hard though either.  For instance, to add users you just don’t hit the users icon in the menu like you would if you were in QNAP’s OS. Instead, you have to navigate to manage through some sub-menus than users.  However, if you are familiar with Windows Server you will find yourself right at home here.  Having been a NAS addict for the last few years… I had to reacquaint myself with Windows Server environments.  Thankfully, things come back pretty quickly.

Microsoft’s Server Manage makes most of the management and configuration operations a breeze.  The interface is well planned, smooth, and easy to navigate.  You are immediately presented with a dashboard that allows you to configure this NAS, manage this NAS, and even manage other WSS NAS on your network.  Managing other NAS on your network from one common interface has been my biggest “ask” from NAS makers… Thank you Microsoft.

To nudge you in the right direction, Microsoft’s prompts will guide you to:

1. Configuring this local server – Brings you to Local Server Properties
2. Add roles and features – Opens the Add Roles and Features Wizard
3. Add other servers to manage – Opens the Add Servers Wizard (lets you search by Active Directory, DNS, or Import)
4. Create a server group – Opens Create Server Group

There are also 2 additional items you can click on: What’s New and Learn More, both are useless.

The interface is broken down into 3 primary sections.  The first section would be considered your title bar.  This provides you with an indication as to where in the menus you have arrived (like breadcrumbs).  It also provides you with some quick links to server functions.  These include:

• a Refresh Button
• Manage: Expands to include: Add Roles and Features, Remove Roles and Features, Add Servers, Create Server Group, and Server Manager Properties.
• Tools: Expands to include: Component Services, Computer Management, Defragment and Optimize Drives, Event Viewer, iSCSI Initiator, Local Security Policy, ODBC Data Sources (32-bit), ODBC Data Sources (64-bit), Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor, Security Configuration Wizard, Services, System Configuration, System Information, Task Scheduler, Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, Windows Memory Diagnostic, Windows PowerShell, Windows PowerShell (x86), Windows PowerShell ISE, Windows PowerShell ISE (x86), and Windows Server Backup.
• View: Expands to include: 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%, Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Hide Welcome Title
• Help: Expands to include: Server manager Help, Windows Server Marketplace, Windows Server TechCenter, Server Manager Forums, and About Server Manager.

Along the left side, you have the familiar Windows Navigation Pane.

• Dashboard
• Local Server
• All Servers
• File and Storage Services