The "Missing Guide". Updated 2017. Also covers Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials. Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials is hugely popular version of Microsoft's server operating system designed for organizations with up to 25 employees. However, as with most modern applications it comes with only the most basic of instructions. Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials Installation Guide for Small Businesses is a succinct installation guide produced from a real world perspective and written according to the Goldilocks Principle - not too little information, not too much information, but just right. With 180 illustrations and screenshots, practical examples and clear explanations it takes you through setting up Essentials in a typical small business. Whether you are installing Essentials for the first time, are planning to do so or are just plain curious, you will find this proven guide of interest. This new 8th edition adds new sections, along with other enhancements and improvements. This book is also available for Essentials 2016. CONTENTS 1. Hardware and Infrastructure 1.1 File Server 1.2 Disk Drives and Storage Options 1.2.1 Single Drive System 1.2.2 Twin Disk Drives 1.2.3 RAID 1.2.4 Storage Spaces 1.2.5 SSD and 2 ½ inch Drives 1.2.6 Storage Server Systems 1.3 Internet Connection, Hub, Router 1.4 IP Considerations 2. Installation of Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials 3. Managing Essentials – The Five Minute Tour 4. Users and Folders 4.1 Setting up Storage Spaces 4.2 Creating User Accounts 4.3 Folder Redirection 4.4 Creating Additional Folders 4.5 User Groups 5. Connecting Computers to the Server 5.1 Using the Windows Server Essentials Connector 5.2 Troubleshooting the Windows Server Essentials Connector 5.3 Adding Windows 10 Computers to the Domain 5.4 Additional Considerations When Connecting Windows 8 Clients 5.5 Connecting Computers with Unsupported Windows Operating Systems 5.6 Adding a Computer to the Domain without using the Connector 5.7 Disabling the Launchpad 5.8 Connecting Macs 5.9 Alternative Strategies for Connecting Macs 6. Backups and Restores 6.1 Configuring Backups for the Server 6.2 Recovering Files to the Server 6.3 Backing up to a Network Drive 6.4 Configuring Backups for the Computers 6.4.1 Changing the Backup Parameters 6.5 Restoring Data to a Computer 7. Printing 7.1 Networked Printer 7.2 Shared Printer on Server 8. Remote Access 8.1 Setting up Anywhere Access 8.2 Controlling Anywhere Access for Individual Users 8.3 Using Remote Web Access 8.4 Using the VPN (Virtual Private Network) 8.4.1 Configuring Windows 7 Clients 8.4.2 Configuring Windows 8/8.1 & Windows 10 Clients 8.4.3 Windows 10 Clients 8.5. Using Dropbox with Essentials 8.6. Using Google Drive with Essentials 9. Housekeeping and Monitoring the Health of the System 9.1 Checking the Dashboard 9.2 Generating a Report 9.3 Customizing the Health Report 9.4 Setting up a Scheduled, Emailed Report 9.5 Optimizing the Hard Drives 9.6 Applying Windows Updates to the Server 9.7 Shutting Down and Restarting the Server 9.8 Task Manager and Resource Monitor 10. Working with iPads and Other Devices 10.1 Accessing the Server using File Browser 10.2 Using Dropbox and Google Drive 10.3 My Server App for Windows Phone 10.4 Microsoft Remote Desktop app for iOS 10.5 Chromebooks 11. Group Policy 11.1 Group Policy Management Console 11.2 Defining the Internet Home Page for All Users 11.3 Windows 7 & Windows 8 Logon Behaviour 12. Miscellaneous Topics 12.1 Disabling Internet Explorer Enhanced Security 12.2 Security Software for the Server 12.3 Customizing the Server Desktop Screen 12.4 Headless Operation 12.5 Drive Mappings via Login Script 12.6 Restore Missing Shortcut to Shared Folders 12.7 Managing Computers from the Server 12.8 Windows Server Essentials Media Pack 12.9 Installing DHCP 12.10 Multiple Network Adapters (NIC Teaming) 12.11 Installing Window