A Windows Server Journey

10 Days Remaining

Every problem required research, testing, troubleshooting, and occasionally starting over. That is part of the Application Development Lifecycle. I first found out about OOP using PHP in 2021. It was six months after transferring into the role of a Website Administrator. Prior to that, my role was a SharePoint Website Forms Developer and that was where I learned about the Application Lifecycle. I was tasked with creating a SharePoint webform. The first of its kind for NYS Information Technology Services. The bulk of my career centered around computer hardware configuration, maintenance and management. Does that qualify me as a Computer Systems Engineer?

I began working with the Windows Operating system while working the graveyard shift as a Computer Operator. My goal was simple. Learn the OS and obtain a job during normal business hours to better support my family. A Windows NT Certification Training program flyer I happend to see on a telephone pole near a corner store in my area. Although I did not get a high score on the certification exam. It was enough to land a job with the State of New York as a Desktop Support Technician. After close to 15 years in that role I realized that it was time to move on.

After completing a very good book on PHP and learning how to develop a custom Blog Application. I decided to take what I have learned about computer hardware, Windows Operating System and Domain Security together and develop a custom Web Hosting Framework. "As my Windows Server 2025 evaluation approaches its end, I have an important decision to make. I have a decision to make.

But those 10 days do not represent the end of the project.

They represent a decision point.

Do I convert the existing server to a licensed Windows Server installation? The process is tricky with price considerations and a path I have never taken.

My System Details:

• Edition: Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation
• Installed on: April 26, 2026
• Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7700T CPU @ 2.90GHz (2.90 GHz)
• Installed RAM: 8.00 GB (7.88 GB usable)
• System Type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Do I replace the hardware?

Do I continue expanding the PHP MVC framework?

Or has the evaluation already accomplished its most important purpose — providing a real environment in which to learn?

Over the next 10 days, I plan to continue documenting that decision.

And this time, visitors to the site can participate.

Below are two questions.

There may not be one correct answer. I am interested in seeing what other developers, administrators, technology professionals, and curious visitors would choose.