Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials is the latest 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 over 170 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 edition is also applicable to Windows Storage Server systems.CONTENTS1. Hardware and Infrastructure1.1 File Server1.2 Disk Drives and Storage Options1.2.1 Single Drive System1.2.2 Twin Disk Drives1.2.3 RAID1.2.4 Storage Spaces1.2.5 SSD and 2 ½ inch Drives1.2.6 Storage Server systems1.3 Internet Connection, Hub, Router1.4 IP Considerations2. Basic Installation of Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials3. Managing Essentials - The 5 Minute Tour4. Users and Folders4.1 Setting up Storage Spaces4.2 Creating User Accounts4.3 Folder Redirection4.4 Creating Additional Folders4.5 User Groups5. Connecting Computers to the Server5.1 Using the Windows Server Essentials Connector5.2 Disabling the Launchpad5.3 Additional Considerations When Connecting Windows 8 Clients5.4 Adding a Computer to the Domain without using the Connector5.5 Connecting Computers with Unsupported Operating Systems6. Backups and Restores6.1 Configuring Backups for the Server6.2 Recovering Files to the Server6.3 Backing up to a Network Drive6.4 Configuring Backups for the Computers6.4.1 Changing the Backup Parameters6.5 Restoring Data to a Computer7. Printing7.1 Networked Printer7.2 Shared Printer on Server8. Remote Access8.1 Setting up Anywhere Access8.2 Controlling Anywhere Access for Individual Users8.3 Using Remote Web Access8.4 Using the VPN (Virtual Private Network)8.4.1 Windows 8 Clients8.4.2 Windows 7 Clients8.5. Using Dropbox with Essentials8.6. Using Google Drive with Essentials9. Housekeeping and Monitoring the Health of the System9.1 Checking the Dashboard9.2 Generating a Report9.3 Customizing the Health Report9.4 Setting up a Scheduled, Emailed Report9.5 Optimizing the Hard Drives9.6 Applying Windows Updates to the Server9.7 Task Manager and Resource Monitor10. Working with iPads and Other Devices10.1 Accessing the File System with File Browser10.2 Using Dropbox and Google Drive10.3 My Server App for Windows Phone10.4 Microsoft Remote Desktop app for iOS10.5 Chromebooks11. Group Policy11.1 Group Policy Management Console11.2 Defining the Internet Home Page for All Users11.3 Windows 7 & Windows 8 Logon Behaviour12. Miscellaneous Topics12.1 Disabling Internet Explorer Enhanced Security12.2 Security Software for the Server12.3 Customizing the Server Desktop Screen12.4 Headless Operation12.5 Drive Mappings via Login Script12.6 Restore Missing Shortcut to Shared Folders12.7 Managing Computers from the Server12.8 Add-ins13. Office 36513.1 Preparation13.2 Installation13.3 Creating a New User13.4 Assigning an Existing Local Account13.5 Removing and Blocking an Online Account13.6 Checking Who Has an Online Account13.7 Changes to Storage Page in Dashboard13.8 Changes to Devices Page in DashboardAppendix A: Installing DHCPAppendix B: Installing Windows Server Essentials Experience on Server 2012Appendix C: Multiple Network Adapters (NIC Teaming)