Simple question here. I've downloaded the trial version to test out the upgrade from 2012 R2 Essentials. Essentials doesn't require CALs or anything to use AD, DNS, File Services,etc so I'm not too familiar with how these work. What I want to do is try out the Standard version in the office but the CAL purchase is not in the budget for 3 more months. Are CALs actually installed on the server? Can I use all the features for a Domain Controller without them for 3 months?
CAL is just a paper restriction in licensing. There is NOTHING to stop you (apart from it being illegal) to connect to Windows server without purchasing CAL licences CAL does not physically exists as anything (only the paper/e-mail saying you have it)