2008 R2 Core, hotfixes?

Lanz · 4 Jan 2010 at 14:05

Hi

We are gradually moving over to 2008R2, at the moment we've just been using the full install. If I installed Core Server, does that require less hotfixes? Or does it still require the same patches as the normal version?

Spooter · 5 Jan 2010 at 12:59

I would imagine less as its a cut down headless version only capable of particular roles.

J.B · 6 Jan 2010 at 14:52

I dont know, I imagine a lot of patches would be the same as the core is the same. I could be wrong though.

danielanthony · 12 Jan 2010 at 16:42

If you look in WSUS there is no differentiation between full and core installations so I would assume that all hotfixes would apply equally.

Lanz · 12 Jan 2010 at 16:48

That's what I was thinking.

So nobody is using Core then and can give us definate answer?

nrh1703 · 14 Jan 2010 at 21:48

I've got a couple of 2008 R2 server core installs and they have three fewer patches (5 v 8) than a 2008 R2 full install. It's early days for R2 in terms of patches but I imagine the trend will continue. With a far smaller complement of features the core install will need fewer patches (explorer, ie, mmc to name a few).

In WSUS you approve the patches for install but they'll only be installed if required.

Lanz · 14 Jan 2010 at 22:26

Hmm thats good news. Maybe I should make all the hyper-v servers Core, as they are the ones that are a pain to reboot.

nrh1703 · 15 Jan 2010 at 08:06

your other option is to use hyper-v server which is bascially server core + hyper-v role already installed. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/dd776191.aspx

there are powershell tools (e.g. sconfig) for configuring server core now (iirc they weren't around before R2) that make the decision to use core (or hyper-v server) rather than a full install a no brainer.

Lanz · 15 Jan 2010 at 12:41

I'm not sure if hyper-v server supports clustering.