One of the great things about the Fastvue Reporter platform is that the entire application is web-based. After the initial installation, there is no need to connect directly to the server via RDP session or console. Because of this, we can use the lighter, more-efficient operation modes in Windows Server 2012 and above to switch from using the Full GUI mode to using Windows Server Core. What is Windows Server Core Mode? Many people are aware that Windows is a GUI-based operating system but did you know that since Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has been working hard to make the Windows GUI an optional add-on? You can run a fully functional Windows server without a GUI installed locally on the server. This is similar to a Linux box without X-Windows. Why would anyone want to do that? Here are a few reasons for switching: Windows Server Core Mode Performance Benefits The most obvious reason for converting to Core is performance: you get more bang for your buck on the same hardware by reducing unused operating-system components from running. Performance benefits include: Fewer RAM requirements Fewer CPU requirements Fewer patches Faster operation Faster boot time Better Uptime For Fastvue Reporter running as a syslog server, the uptime is vital because messages can be missed and only caught much later when the historical log archive rolls over at midnight. The more stable and robust your platform is, the lower the potential for lost log data. Windows Server Core Mode Security Benefits The additional performance g