Client Access Licenses (CALs) in Windows Server 2012

[@techtipsfromwill]

Yet another fantastic high quality video from itfreetaining! Keep up the really great work!

[@itfreetraining]

Thanks very much. More videos to follow.

[@techaway_au]

Straight forward explanation that covers all the bases for licensing. Will use this in training our guys to understand MS licensing.Thanks.

[@itfreetraining]

Thanks very much.

[@aksharjamgaonkar1677]

Hi, thanks for a very informative video. Do i need to buy User CAL and RDS CAL separately if i want users to access server remotely or will just RDS CALs be sufficient? Thanks.

[@SiyamandRashid]

im a bit confused...what you mean by client accessing servers?- if a client want to print from network printer, or access a folder, files on server it needs CAls ?!!-or you mea accessing server by client , to work on active directory on other roles and features.... ??many thanks for your all great videos ...

[@itfreetraining]

+Siyamand Rashid Essentially if you want to access Microsoft functions on a sever you need a CAL. Printing and other services are considered to be Microsoft functions. However, accessing something like a web server is o.k. because this is anonymous and does not use the Windows authentication system.

[@SiyamandRashid]

+itfreetraining lets say im administrator and want to access my server using remote desktop to do something on active directory like creating user or do a reservation ... Do i need CAL?

[@itfreetraining]

+Siyamand Rashid Windows Server allows to administrators to connect to the server using Remote Desktop for administration of the server only for free. For example, two administrators without any CALS, could connect to the server using Remote Desktop to create users, configure printers, configure DHCP etc.

[@itfreetraining]

If the web server is not performing authentication then no Cal's are required. If you are authenticating on the web server or to another system using the web server, for example the users of the web site have active directory accounts, then the web server requires Cal's. It all depends what the Web server is doing.

[@jancis22]

So, I have non MS email system on Windows Server 2012 R2 which has it's own authentication mechanisms (no AD). It means I don't need Windows CAL's? Thanks

[@miles2590]

Hi Sir, Good day, I have questions and clarification. We are planning to purchase a Device CALs and a Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail. 1. Does the workers in the office need a CAL to access the System? 2. Does the device used in the Retail POS also needs a CAL? 3. How about the SQL CAL. Is it necessary? 4. Does CALs need to be installed or just a document? 5. Is it ok to use RDS without RDS CALs and just use the 2 maximum allowable access via RDP (local and remote location)? 6. What is the recommended RDS CALs to be purchase if many worker will be using the RDS remotely? Thank you very much!

[@DemetriosMallous90]

Basically Microsoft has no way of knowing how many CAL's an organization has purchased since you can't really activate them (unless RDS cal's).

[@amosnota243]

@ 4:07 you said: "The CALS themselves do not need to be activated and the use of them is not enforced." Does that mean purchasing of CALS is only for compliance nothing like installing them?

[@itfreetraining]

That is correct. The only exception is special purpose CAL's like the ones used with Remote Desktop Services. In otherwords it is up to the administrator to make sure that they are compliant.

[@benjaminwexler1420]

itfreetraining so can a user still access a File server w/o a CAL?

[@itfreetraining]

You can access the file server without a CAL as they are not enforced, however this would be breaking the license agreement.

[@gacpac]

So Basically, they can use it. Until Microsoft shows up for an audit and lawsuit. Same as downloading movies from torrent sites. It works until they find you.

[@normansamaniego4889]

Yep. And Microsoft Rep will surely show up eventually if they notice that you lack of CAL's purchase. They won't sue you right away, they will just speak with the IT/Procurement to advise that you need buy more CAL's and explain to you like the above video...

[@benjaminwexler1420]

I am preparing to migrate from WS 03 to WS 12 and am trying to understand CALs. I need a license for every computer/laptop that accesses the file server? I also need a CAL for every MF printer, but not a single function printer? When do RDS CLAs have to be factored in ?

[@alexputyatinsky9108]

HI. Thx for all of youre videos. I have a question about virtual instabnses on MS server. License MS standart give me a right to use 2 instances, this only work whith hyper - v or this put limits on server if i use therd part virtualization like VMware two?

[@jasoncorr7193]

Hi there, I have a (MeRu Networks Model: MC1500) it has a sticker on the front thats states (Controller for Wireless Network) I would like to check how many user Licences its got on it, do you know how I would be able to check that ? Thanks

[@sharafk4]

I would really appreciate if you could help me out in this scenario . I have windows server 2012 with 400 AD users created in it .Some of them are disabled and some are idle(not used by anyone) .Currently 250 users with their systems joined to the local domain are active but out of which only 100 users are using file share from the server .rest of the 150 users's computers are joined to the domain but do not use any services from the server like fileshare/printserver ,they just authenticate to AD that's it . So i believe i do not need to purchase 400 or 250 CALS .Does buying 150 users/device CALS serve my purpose ? or do i need to buy 400 or 250 CALS instead ? really appreciate your input . I'm totally confused.

[@chrisalister2297]

If they authenticate(which they are against AD) or get an IP from a WinServer/DHCP...you need a CAL or DAL. Think of it this way, if any authentication takes place, any services are used on a server....you need a license. If you have more users than devices...get a DAL, likewise, if you have more devices than users, go with the CAL.

[@jec112203]

I wish you had covered VDI CALs, they are more complicated.

[@itfreetraining]

Yes they make it more complicated. We will keep it in mind for future videos.

[@nashybossy8338]

which CPU model for configuration with servers. what does you pack in motherboard and processor ?

[@diggiddi]

If you are working directly from the workstation which has the sever software installed do u still need a CAL?

[@itfreetraining]

***** I assume you mean, you have a workstation which is running Windows Server. If that is the case you do not need a CAL. Server to Server does not require CAL or using a Server.

[@TorBruheim]

Device CALS makes sense if your company has workers who share devices, for example, on different work shifts, yes I understand that, anyway I have a question for you Sir: "Would it make sense sometimes combine User CALs and Device CALs"?

[@itfreetraining]

Of course. They are able to be mixed and matched.

[@TorBruheim]

Thanks

[@itfreetraining]

You're very welcome!

[@keshav.mukati]

A question regarding TS CAL purchase, the process is to activate your TS by web or Phone call and then you have call Microsoft and share the enrollment no, i curious to know how they get to know how much CAL a company has purchased because many time by mistake i got more CAL activated then actual purchase ?

[@itfreetraining]

Well, there are periodic audits that can be performed that will test for network compliance. In some cases as well, Microsoft will request an audit to ensure you're in compliance.

[@guptaramkumar52]

once we install new RDS server we get 120 free unlimited cal license, so how to identify this many days are left from 120 days.

[@TerminatorSe7en]

Will a company running Win2008 R2 get sued for not using CALs for file sharing/home folders?

[@chrisalister2297]

It depends on who and the mood of Microsoft. If you are in violation of 2 or 3 users....they probably will say pony up for the CALs. If you are 30, 50, 100+, then yes...they may hit you hard. If you just have a hand full of users and only using a windows server for file sharing...buy something like a Synology NAS and escape the need for licensing. Synology can authenticate your users and allow you to control permissions of files/folders.

[@TheAutumnWolf]

+itfreetraining Nice video, but if I already purchased a number of User Cals, lets say 100, for my Active Directory domain and I am implementing a new windows file server, Do I have to purchase more user cals for my file server, even if the 100 users are the same that are going to use the file server only in a separate server?

[@itfreetraining]

+Antonio Delgadillo (Vasch Dawnstriker) No, it does not work that way. If you have 100 devices CALS for example, those users can access 1 or 1000 servers or anywhere in between. Same goes for user cals. Think of it that the Cal gives the device or user the right to access Microsoft technolgoy regardless of how many servers that stuff may be on

[@AtillaHodzholu]

How to buy user/device CALs and add them to my domain ?

[@timtrainage]

I've noticed you did not address Enterprise Client Access License(s), are you familiar with them?

[@itfreetraining]

+timtrainage Are you talking about the Microsoft Enterprise License Suites? www.microsoft.com/en-us/Licensing/product-licensing/client-access-license.aspx#tab=3 Technically speaking CALs aren't necessarily defined as Enterprise unless you're really talking about larger quantities and just would benefit from using a suite.

[@timtrainage]

+itfreetraining thank you for responding, however unfortunately no, I am not. I am inquiring regarding the licensing required to use archiving and other advanced features in newer versions of exchange. please see: products.office.com/en-ca/exchange/microsoft-exchange-server-licensing-licensing-overview#a Thanks again

[@itfreetraining]

Well, we primarily focus on Windows Server 2012 in our videos and as there are CALS for Microsoft SQL Server, Lync Servers, Sharepoint as well as Microsoft Exchange, we decided to avoid discussing that in this video. We apologize for the inconvenience. You seem to have the information you need...so is there anything you need from us? Or did you just want to remark about a topic our video doesn't contain?

[@timtrainage]

+itfreetraining Actually I'd viewed your video before finding the information I needed from Microsoft. Do you have other videos for other MS products and their corresponding CALS?

[@literalbuddha2921]

Is one Windows server setup possible in both the modes per user and per device at the same time? Only if this is technically possible, it grants mix and match of user and device cals on the SAME server.

[@itfreetraining]

You are supposed to use a mix of user and device CALs in any environment to provide the most beneficial cost savings to the organization.

[@Snowdaawg]

Regarding RDS CALS, I'm still not sure I get the difference between the "User" and "Device" CAL. I have 5 administrators that need to access 3 2008 Domain and File servers. At least 3 admins need to be on multiple servers at the same time. Would the User CAL permit one administrator to be on multiple servers at the same time and only use one CAL? or do I need a "Device CAL"? I am planning on purchasing 5 User CALS. Is this correct? Thanks for the help!!

[@itfreetraining]

User CAL's are usually used when you have less users than computers. If the administrators are using the same computer all the time, it may be cheaper to get device CAL's. If the administrators uses multiple computers than it would be cheaper to use user CAL's. Remember that you also need to purchase CAL's for your users as well. Cal's are not required by the servers, only for devices or users that access that server. If you are not sure, you can always ring Microsoft and ask them. For license related questions they answer these questions free of charge.

[@Termiborger]

So, just to get this straight. If, I am using a single server, that is serving around 8 or so users remotely, then all I need is a single external RPD CAL?

[@itfreetraining]

External Connector licenses allow unlimited external access to a specific server. However; you cannot use an External Connector license to replace internal use CALs.

[@AzizEsawi]

Hi, I have a question. For active directory user, does each domain user need to have a CAL. Example, 200 domain users need 200 CALs? Thanks

[@itfreetraining]

This is correct.

[@benjaminwexler1420]

itfreetraining can't you use a device CAL instead?

[@itfreetraining]

It is up to you. If you have 200 computers you can get 200 device CAL's. If you have 200 users you could get 200 users CAL's. If for example 200 users were using 100 computers you would get 100 devices CAL's as this is cheaper. If you had 100 users using 200 computers it would be cheaper to get 100 users Cal's.

[@nashaatmena7687]

thx for your video

[@itfreetraining]

You're welcome!

[@mikemurphy2407]

Suppose I have 4 different servers running various services; 1) Domain controller, 2) Print server, 3)File server 4) WDS Server Do I need 4 device CALS for each device or 1 Device CAL for each device?

[@itfreetraining]

So Microsoft has very thorough licensing. Primarily, you'll have the license for the server itself, the ML, and then there's a license per device/user that will use that server. So in your case, you'll have 4 MLs and then CALS for however many users or devices you have in your org. The choice between User and Device CALs comes down to whether you have a static workstation fleet or a more stable set of users. If you have users who share devices, a device CAL makes more sense.

[@markhunter5259]

Can some one help me I have been given a dell server with I will be installing and activating windows 2012 I would like to set up 2 thin clients and a printer what calls would I need maximum of 3 users

[@martyg2333]

I have some questions and I would really like your input. I am a college student and I have access to Microsoft Dreamspark where I can download any version of Windows Server. Basically I want to learn as much as possible about WS and every environment it offers so I am leaning towards WS 2012 Datacenter as it seems to offer the most options. I have three computers at home and basically I want to create my own little learning center. Do I need to purchase CALs if I'm the only one that's going to be using this environment? What if I want to add users later? Also, would you suggest a virtual environment in my case or would it be okay to setup a physical operating system environment since I have multiple computers? Do you have any suggestions on how to create a good learning center? I appreciate any input your have! I really want to learn but there's so much documentation out there it's a little overwhelming.

[@itfreetraining]

martyg23 I would suggest a virtual environment. You have more options. Snapshot are a useful tool and you will also be able to run more servers. As for CALs, if you are the only user I would not worry about getting any. Microsoft allows connection to the server for 2 administrators without a CAL. Also server to server communication does not require any CALs. I can't really recommend any good learning centers.

[@martyg2333]

Thank you for replying I will take your advice I really appreciate it.

[@itfreetraining]

martyg23 You're welcome

[@HisLoveArmy]

Do I need calls for a VPN and routing roles? I just want users to access file share on the server.

[@itfreetraining]

Unfortunately, even services such as a File Server requires CALs for each user/device connecting.

[@chrisalister2297]

A VPN requires authenticating...you need a license.

[@morpk1]

so i know that server 2012 essentials it supports 25 user and i don't need CALs but what if i get server standard and connect it to that domain (same as the essentials box) as say a file server do i then need to buy CALs for people contacting to that standard edition ?

[@itfreetraining]

I am not sure what you are asking. Standard and Datacenter do not come with any CAL's and you need to buy what every you plan to use.

[@kajamohideen6551]

Hi , What is the required Licences to Setup Windows 2012 Standard Server Domain Controller.Is there License required to add client system into domain?.also provide some links for example. Thank you- Kaja

[@itfreetraining]

The servers do not require license in the form of Cal's. When you buy the server license this covers the install of that server. The only computers that require licenses are the clients. For example Windows 8 connecting to a file server.

[@mohamadalamoudi1912]

thanks

[@itfreetraining]

You're welcome!

[@xtreme2043]

i am planning to buy exchange server 2012 r2, and install exchange 2013. do I need to buy CALs? assuming we don't need CALs for exchange.

[@itfreetraining]

Unfortunately, you do need CALs for Exchange. You can get a Standard or Enterprise license for Exchange which controls how many datastores (mailboxes) you can have. Then there's CALs for each user or device that needs to access the Exchange server. It's very hard to escape the Microsoft CAL requirements. You can read more here: products.office.com/en-us/exchange/microsoft-exchange-server-licensing-licensing-overview

[@xtreme2043]

itfreetraining thanks

[@itfreetraining]

You're very welcome!

[@itfreetraining]

From my understanding you would need to, however we don't do training for Exchange so I could be wrong. I would suggest ringing Microsoft and asking them before you buy.

[@WasimKhan-lo6tf]

Without purchasing CAL's can we access server and all permission

[@itfreetraining]

You can technically have the server and run it without CALs. However if you have any users at all using the server for any functions (i.e. file server, DHCP, etc.), you need a CAL.

[@michaeletsey9134]

how do you get that done?

[@MHZ901]

Damn, almost everything requires a CAL. how about authenticating through web (Internally) to print to the printing server. would that require a CAL?

[@itfreetraining]

What is doing the authentication? If you get one Cal per workstation they can print to as many servers and use as many files servers as they want. If for example a Linux system did the authentication and then past it on to a Windows print server, I would argue that it is server to server communication and not required. Microsoft however may argue it still per user. It really a question for them how they would deal with that scenario.

[@JoelLagunaYomama]

By now Microsoft should have the ability to just download the software from safe servers and handle ALL licencing from one spot. Oh wait, this is Microsoft we are talking about. It will take them 2-4 years to make it happen.

[@nasseralzubay]

please help me i have windows server 2012 r2 and i need to access to the server from anthor 8 branches how many i should buy RDS Cal licenses ?

[@itfreetraining]

Nasser Alzubay RDS CAL licenses work of users or devices. If you only need to access them for remote administration Windows Server includes 2 remote connections for admin connections only. Really depends on how many and what type of access to the Server you require.

[@nasseralzubay]

I need connect 8 branches to the server .. and the licenes high cost .. so now i search other Solutions like windows server VPN by dyndns but i don't success until now .. if you can help me or u have any suggestion i will be happy thank youthank you

[@itfreetraining]

Nasser Alzubay RDS Cal are only if you want to use remote desktop. If you are just using file sharing you only need to the standard Cal's.

[@nasseralzubay]

i want access accounting system on the server from the branch

[@itfreetraining]

Nasser Alzubay You will need to have a look at the accounting system and see if it is deployed using Remote Desktop or not.

[@PhoolSinghSARAN]

hello Sir this software "WinRmtDsktpSrvcsCAL 2016 SNGL OLP C UsrCAL" is software ko client end pr minstall krna hota hai ya Phir server pr pleasse urgent

[@EyEvil]

How do you see how many CALs are in the server? There is no documentation about it from the former sys admin

[@itfreetraining]

In previous versions of Windows Server included a licensing manager. In Windows Server 2008 it was removed. In my experience the licensing manager was very buggy and difficult to use. With CAL's (Expect for remote desktop CAL's) it is based on good faith. It is up to the administrator to make sure they have the correct number of licenses and have the paper work to show that if they are audited.

[@Joseph1NJ]

Am I understanding this correctly, in order to use a simple RDP you now need a separate license/CAL? Really? This is freaking' absurd.

[@kwas101]

Hah! The reason it is based on "good faith" is to make it easier for you to be penalised during an audit. There is no reason why MS CALs could not be controllled via a system similar to Flexlm - if the license has not been purchased then there is no client access. No - they just let you do what you want and this gives users a false sense of security. Then BANG! audit time and you owe big bucks. Licenses stored in Flexlm are proof of purchase too - not so for Microsoft, you have to have invoices and receipts. Pieces of paper? For shame, all licensing should be electronic. EVERYTHING with Microsoft is an excuse to make a buck.

[@itfreetraining]

kwas101 Windows use to have a Licensing manager. The problem was it did not work very well. I think for this reason this is why it was removed from Windows.

[@kwas101]

itfreetraining Yes, the Licensing manager was a joke (especially in SBS systems). So fix it (eg Flexlm etc). But as per my previous comment, there is no impetus for MS to do that when they know that they don't have to enforce license compliance at the point of purchase - they can just do so at the point of a gun (ie an "audit") later. Just another reason to choose Linux. Sysadmins have enough to worry about without adding licensing to the picture.

[@secCheGuevara]

I would like to reimburse you for your efforts. Is there a paypal, patreon, BMC?

[@itfreetraining]

Not yet. We are looking at Patreon in the future, but first want to make sure we are releasing video regularly again before we do.

[@χρηστοςΜπακολουκας]

telio