1.1. It's All About the Core

Before we begin, let's review Microsoft's so-called Core Server installation paradigm, a new type of barebones OS that can also be headless, keyless, and mouseless . . . and Windowless. During the years of Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 (pre-R2) installing the operating system was a nail-biting event. We would always stand and gawk at the screen and hold our breath as certain stages in the installation were completed. Once we got through to the restart procedure it was high-fives all round.

By Windows 2000, installing on various hardware platforms was a lot easier. Gone, for the most part, were blue screens during installation or mysterious restarts that had everyone scratching their heads. But another problem arose. The Internet exploded in popularity and along with it the scourge of viruses and hostile cyberspace junk.