Windows Server 2008 Enterprise x64 also introduces many new features. As with SQL Server 2008 x64, there are far too many to include in this Guide. The following list mentions a few of the more significant features that may benefit database administrators:
• Server core. Windows Server 2008 Enterprise edition allows administrators to install only the functions necessary for a server’s role. For example, the server core installation does not include a GUI or the Explorer shell. The reduced number of components should improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and improve security by reducing the vectors available to viruses.
• Windows PowerShell. This new command-line shell includes over 130 utilities and an admin-focused scripting language to make system administration easier.
• Self-healing NTFS file system. If Windows ® detects a file system error, it spawns a worker thread that attempts to fix this problem. If the problem is recoverable, the system will fix it without needing the administrator to restart it or shut it down.
• Network Access Protection (NAP). NAP allows administrators to define health and security policies for the network and to block non-compliant computers from the network.
• Windows Deployment Services (WDS). This replacement for Remote Installation Services (RIS) improves the deployment of image-based Windows operating systems. Notably, WDS allows network-based installation of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Enterprise on computers with no operating system currently present on them.

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