Server Upgrades and Desktop Changes

In Windows Server 2012, Microsoft removed the Start button from the lower left. In R2 the Start button has been put back so you can access your application menu. You can still hit the Windows key to access your list if you’ve already gotten used to using it. If you’re not familiar with where the Windows key is, it’s to the left of the left Alt key on a standard keyboard. There is also a hotspot in the lower-right corner, which brings up a vertical menu bar. This dynamic menu contains these buttons: the Start menu, the Desktop settings, and Explorer search.The new look and feel will take a bit of getting used to, but we think you will like the new UI changes. Server Manager has had a significant overhaul also and grabbed your attention with its colorful display warnings on the dashboard when a problem exists. One user-requested feature that Server lacked was the ability to switch from the GUI version to Server Core. Often requirements change that may require you to change over to Server Core. Previously you would have had to do a complete reinstall of Server Core. An administrator now can convert from the GUI version to Server Core and vice versa. You can read more about this throughout the book starting in Chapter 2, “Installing and Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2.”