Windows Server Administration Basics

Windows Server Administration

• Windows Server Administration is a complex networking topic covering server setup, roles, storage, Active Directory, Group Policy, file/print/web services, remote access, virtualization, application servers, troubleshooting, and performance.

Introduction to Servers

• A server is a system (software and hardware) that responds to network requests to provide network services.
• Common server roles include file servers, print servers, directory servers, web servers, mail servers, database servers, or application servers.
• Dedicated servers are more suitable for production environments due to features like faster processors, more RAM, increased storage (multiple hard drives), and faster network connections.
• Servers often include reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features, such as redundancy in power supplies, storage (e.g., RAID), and network connections.
• Cooling solutions like larger fans or water cooling and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are crucial to ensure continuous operation even during power outages.

Server Architecture

• Modern operating systems (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Linux) are designed with a client-server architecture.
• Server-oriented operating systems have features supporting server environments, including reduced or optional GUI, flexible networking, and advanced security.
• Many desktop and server operating systems share similar code bases but differ in configuration.

Client Access Licenses (CALs)

• Microsoft requires licenses (called Client Access Licenses or CALs) for clients to connect to and use server applications/services.
• Per-User CAL allows a single user to connect to the server software at a time.
• Per-Device CAL limits connections by the number of devices rather than by users.
• User CALs and device CALs are not interchangeable.

Key Terms

• Active Directory (AD): A directory service created by Microsoft for Windows domain networks.
• Application Server: A dedicated server for running specific applications.
• Automation: Technologies optimizing productivity by minimizing human intervention and increasing speed, capacity, and repeatability.
• Availability: System or component operability at a specific time.
• Client Access License (CAL): A license allowing clients to connect to server software.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The computer's main processing unit.
• Client-Server Model: A distributed computing architecture where tasks are divided between service providers (servers) and requesters (clients).
• Code Base: The complete source code for an application/component.
• Database Server: A computer providing database services to other programs or computers.
• Directory Service: A service managing information about users, computers, and other resources in a network.
• Enterprise Class: Servers designed for large-scale, high-tech business environments.
• Fault Tolerance: System design enabling continued operation even with partial failure.
• File Server: A network server providing shared storage for computer files.
• Group Policy: Centralized management of applications, users, and OS settings in an Active Directory environment.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): A user interface using images instead of text commands.
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Data storage device using rapidly rotating discs (platters).
• Hyper-V: Microsoft's hypervisor for creating and managing virtual machines.
• Hypervisor: Software/firmware/hardware that creates and runs virtual machines.
• Internet Information Services (IIS): Microsoft's web server software.
• Machine Code: Instructions directly executable by a computer's CPU.
• Microsoft SQL Server: A relational database management system.
• Port: An interface between a computer and other devices.
• Random-access Memory (RAM): Volatile computer memory for data storage.
• Redundancy: Duplicating critical components/functions for reliability.
• Reliability: Capability of performing functions consistently.
• Scalability: System's ability to handle increasing workloads.
• Service: A computer program that operates in the background.
• Source Code: Computer instructions written in human-readable language.
• Storage: Components and media for retaining digital data.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Provides emergency power during outages.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): Desktop environments hosted on remote servers for access.
• Virtualization: Techniques creating virtual versions of computer resources.
• Windows PowerShell: Microsoft's task automation framework.
• RAID: A storage technology combining multiple disks for redundancy and performance.

This quiz covers foundational concepts in Windows Server Administration, including server roles, setup, and key features. Learn about Active Directory, Group Policy, and essential services that ensure reliable network operations. Ideal for those looking to understand server management basics.