Windows Server lite version
Windows Server lite version
Next month I plan to swap the old surveillance server for a new one. Previously I relied on a Windows Server edition because unplanned restarts aren’t ideal for monitoring systems. Logging in occasionally for updates and restarts works best for me and the users. I noticed Windows Server is more suited for complex setups rather than a simple PC running just one app. I was considering Windows 10 Pro, but without certain workarounds it seems updates only happen at convenient times. My goal is full control, not letting Windows decide when it’s safe to update.
1. Is there a lighter version of Windows Server?
2. Can Windows 10 Pro be configured to install updates only on my request?
Win10 LTSB might work. You can definitely make updates fully manual, which is similar to the Win10 Lite version I’ve heard about.
Windows 10 Enterprise operates as a subscription model (LTSB qualifies as Enterprise, but you can only install it with an Enterprise key). Although this could be an alternative, I prefer a one-time purchase. The shift to subscriptions makes it harder for small businesses to avoid them—they’re opting for alternatives like Office 365, antivirus tools, IT support, and more, which are consuming their budgets each month.
I obtained Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB from MSDN using a standard key, eliminating the requirement for an enterprise activation server. This makes it feasible to employ LTSB as a personal computer operating system without enterprise constraints.
Are you sure this application requires a windowed interface? The only other option seems to be Windows 8.1 embedded. For the reboot problem, you can turn it off using local group policy in Windows 10 Pro.
I couldn't locate anything beyond the licensing section. I'll look into that. The LTSB would be ideal for this. Unfortunately, the surveillance tools are limited to Windows. Even if a professional solution existed for Linux, their other setups all use this platform, so it's essentially one client on a phone or PC with full access.
You could try installing Windows 7 or 8 instead. The main purpose of using Windows 10 is to support DX12 features.
It seems the extended support will end on January 14, 2020, which is within two years. However, W8 might still be viable.