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Getting Started with Windows Server

This guide introduces the basics of Windows Server administration, focusing on essential concepts and common tasks.

Server Roles and Features​

Understanding Server Roles​

A server role is a set of software programs that enable a computer to perform specific functions for users or other computers in a network.

Common Server Roles​

  1. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

    • User and computer account management
    • Group Policy administration
    • Directory services

  2. File and Storage Services

    • File sharing
    • Storage management
    • Disk quotas
    • File screening

  3. Web Server (IIS)

    • Host websites and web applications
    • Web service management
    • SSL/TLS certificates

  4. DNS Server

    • Name resolution
    • DNS zone management
    • DNS record maintenance

  5. DHCP Server

    • IP address assignment
    • Scope management
    • Lease duration control

Server Features​

Additional components that support or enhance server roles:

  • .NET Framework
  • Remote Server Administration Tools
  • Windows PowerShell modules
  • Failover Clustering

Server Management Tools​

Server Manager​

  1. Dashboard

    • Server health and status
    • Configuration issues
    • Best practices analyzer

  2. Add Roles and Features

    • Role-based installation
    • Feature installation
    • Remote server management

  3. Tools Menu

    • Computer Management
    • Event Viewer
    • Services
    • Windows PowerShell

Administrative Tools​

  1. Event Viewer

    • System logs
    • Application logs
    • Security logs
    • Custom views

  2. Task Scheduler

    • Automated tasks
    • Scheduled maintenance
    • System automation

  3. Performance Monitor

    • Resource monitoring
    • Performance counters
    • Data collection

Basic Administration​

User Management​

  1. Active Directory Users and Computers

    • Create and manage user accounts
    • Group management
    • OU structure
    • Password policies

  2. Local Users and Groups

    • Local account management
    • Security groups
    • Built-in accounts

Security Administration​

  1. Group Policy

    • Policy creation
    • Security settings
    • Software deployment
    • Preferences

  2. Windows Defender

    • Antivirus protection
    • Security policies
    • Threat detection

  3. Windows Firewall

    • Rule management
    • Port configuration
    • Security profiles

Network Configuration​

TCP/IP Settings​

  1. IP Addressing

    • Static IP configuration
    • Subnet masks
    • Default gateways
    • DNS servers

  2. Network Adapters

    • Driver management
    • Speed/duplex settings
    • Network teams

Remote Access​

  1. Remote Desktop

    • RDP configuration
    • Connection security
    • Multi-session settings

  2. Remote Server Administration

    • RSAT tools
    • PowerShell remoting
    • Remote management

Maintenance and Monitoring​

Updates and Patches​

  1. Windows Update

    • Update policies
    • WSUS configuration
    • Quality updates
    • Feature updates

  2. System Health

    • Server health reports
    • Resource monitoring
    • Performance optimization

Backup and Recovery​

  1. Windows Server Backup

    • Full server backup
    • System state backup
    • Bare metal recovery

  2. System Restore

    • Restore points
    • System recovery
    • Emergency repair

Best Practices​

Security​

  1. Account Security

    • Strong passwords
    • Account lockout policies
    • Least privilege principle

  2. Network Security

    • Network segmentation
    • Firewall rules
    • Security updates

Performance​

  1. Resource Management

    • CPU optimization
    • Memory management
    • Disk performance

  2. Service Optimization

    • Service startup types
    • Resource allocation
    • Performance tuning

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

  1. Service Problems

    • Service dependencies
    • Startup issues
    • Error logs

  2. Network Issues

    • Connectivity problems
    • DNS resolution
    • DHCP issues

Tools and Resources​

  • Event Viewer logs
  • Performance Monitor
  • Network diagnostics
  • Microsoft documentation

Next Steps​