When you first install Windows 2008 Server, it comes up with the Initial Configuration Task screen. You are given the option to either add “Roles” or add “Features”. I wondered what the difference between these two was. For example, if I want to add the IIS webserver, is that a feature or a role? While there is some overlap between these two, in general, you can think of Roles as major functions of the server and Features as smaller add-on packages. Whether it is a role or a feature, these are all Microsoft Windows 2008 add-ons, not 3rd party applications.
Here are some examples of each:
Roles
- Windows AD/DC Server,
- DNS,
- DHCP,
- File,
- Print,
- NAP,
- Terminal Server,
- IIS,
- WDS,
- WSS
Features
- .NET,
- Bitlocker Encryption,
- BITS,
- Remote Assistance,
- SMTP Server,
- SNMP,
- telnet server & client,
- failover,
- NLB,
- TFTP,
- Windows Server Backup,
- WINS,
- Powershell
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David Davis has served as an IT Manager for over 15 years. He has a number of certifications including CCIE #9369, MCSE, CISSP, & VCP. Additionally, David has authored over one hundred articles, a number of video training courses including Windows XP, Wireless Networking, Linux Administration, ISA Server, A+ Certification, Microsoft Virtual Server, & VMware Server & Workstation. David publishes Cisco Networking how-to articles & videos at his website, HappyRouter.com.