Configuring Windows 2008 R2: use Server Roles on not?

[Patriot]

Hello,

When configuring a Win 2008 R2 installation on a 3-core VDS to host Source-based game servers, should one or more server roles (e.g. Application Server)) be added through the sever manager or should I leave the OS in its native state and just setup the srcds.exe servers? Are there any roles and associated services that would help optimize the server's performance?

Some software, such as .net Framework, it appears cannot be installed without adding at least the Web Server (IIS) role.

Thank you,
Patriot

[Edge100x]

I would not recommend adding a server Role unless you require functionality provided by the role. I have not yet seen a game server require a Role to be installed, but some customers have used them, such as to implement IIS.

The .NET framework (3.5.x) is a Feature and not a Role. To install it, use the "Add Features" option from the "Server Manager" snap-in. .NET 4.0 is available as a separate download.

[Patriot]

I would not recommend adding a server Role unless you require functionality provided by the role. I have not yet seen a game server require a Role to be installed, but some customers have used them, such as to implement IIS.

The .NET framework (3.5.x) is a Feature and not a Role. To install it, use the "Add Features" option from the "Server Manager" snap-in. .NET 4.0 is available as a separate download.

Edge100x,

Thank you for your help. No server roles then. When I originally tried adding .NET through the "Add Features" option I got a popup message saying the Web Server (IIS) role had to be installed as well. But now I uninstalled that role and .NET 3.5.1 is still shown as a feature. Kind of confusing...lol

Thanks again,

Patriot