Server 2012 R2 Standard and CALs?

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by thedawn2009, Jan 10, 2016.

  1. thedawn2009

    thedawn2009 MDL Novice

    Nov 17, 2014
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    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?
     
  2. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    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)
     
  3. thedawn2009

    thedawn2009 MDL Novice

    Nov 17, 2014
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    That's what I was wondering. I didn't want to pull the trigger on something I wasn't sure of.