Windows Server Introduction

Windows Server

_______ is a server operating system developed by Microsoft, designed to handle enterprise-level networking, data storage, application hosting, and security needs. It’s based on the same codebase as the Windows desktop operating system (like Windows 10 or 11) but optimized for server functionality, not everyday use.

Active Directory Domain Services

________ (AD DS) – central identity/authentication for users and devices.

DNS and DHCP Server

__________ – manage name resolution and IP addresses.

File and Storage Services

__________  – centralized file sharing and storage.

Web Server

_________ (IIS) – host websites and web apps.

Hyper-V

_______– virtualization for running multiple operating systems

Remote Desktop Services

_______(RDS) – provide remote access to desktops/apps.

Print and Document Services

__________ – centralized printer management.

Server Manager

_______ is a central management console in Windows Server that simplifies the administration of local and remote servers. It provides a single point of access for managing various server roles, features, and overall server health.

Centralized Management

Server Manager consolidates various server management tools and information into a single interface, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple separate applications.

Role and Feature Management

It allows you to easily install, uninstall, and configure server roles (e.g., Active Directory Domain Services, DNS Server, Web Server) and features (e.g., .NET Framework, Remote Desktop Services).

Server Health Monitoring

___: Server Manager provides a dashboard that displays real-time information about server health, including performance, events, services, and installed roles.

Remote Server Management

_________: You can use Server Manager to manage multiple remote servers from a single console, streamlining administration for larger environments

Event Log Viewing

__________: It provides easy access to event logs, which record system events, errors, and warnings, aiding in troubleshooting.

Service Management:

___________: You can start, stop, pause, and configure server services through Server Manager.

Performance Monitoring

_________ : It allows you to monitor server performance metrics, such as CPU usage, memory usage, and network activity

Dashboard

· ______ : The dashboard is the main screen of Server Manager, providing an overview of server status, events, and performance. It displays alerts and notifications, allowing you to quickly identify potential issues.

Local Server

________—: This section provides information about the local server, including its computer name, domain, IP address, and installed roles and features.

All Servers

_______: This section allows you to manage multiple servers remotely, providing a consolidated view of their status and health

Roles and Features

________: This section allows you to add or remove server roles and features.

Events

· _____ : This section provides access to the event logs, allowing you to view system events, errors, and warnings.

Services

· ______: This section allows you to manage server services.

Performance

· ______: This section provides access to performance monitoring tools.

User and group management

________ is fundamental to securing and organizing computer systems.

administrator account

The _________ provides complete control over a computer system. This account holds the highest level of privileges, enabling users to install software, modify system settings, and access all files. In essence, it functions as a master key, granting unrestricted access to the entire system.

Standard user accounts

_________ operate with restricted privileges. These accounts allow users to run applications and access their personal files, but they cannot make system-wide changes that affect other users. This limited access can be likened to a key that opens only specific rooms within a building, ensuring that critical areas remain protected.

Guest accounts

________ offer the most limited access, designed for temporary use. These accounts provide basic functionality for individuals who require brief access to a computer without their own dedicated account. This can be compared to a temporary pass, granting access only to public areas and restricting any significant modifications.

Active Directory Domain Services

_______ (AD DS) transitions from individual computer management to a centralized network approach. This is crucial for organizations with numerous users and devices, where local management becomes complex

Active Directory Domain Services

_____ acts as a central repository, storing information about users, computers, and resources. · It allows administrators to manage these elements from a single point

domain

A _____ is a logical grouping of network resources.

domain

A _____ is the foundational element, acting as a logical grouping of network resources that share a common directory database.

domain

A ____ acts as a security boundary and administrative unit. · It provides a single point of administration. · It establishes a namespace

Domain controllers

______  are the servers that host copies of the Active Directory database. They are crucial for authenticating users, enforcing security policies, and managing domain resources. Think of them as the gatekeepers of the domain, ensuring only authorized access.

domain controller

· A________ holds a copy of the Active Directory database. · It is responsible for authenticating users and computers. · Multiple domain controllers provide redundancy and load balancing.

Organizational units

_________(OUs) are containers within a domain that allow for hierarchical organization of objects. They provide a means to subdivide a domain for easier administration and policy management, much like folders organizing files.

Organizational units

________ are containers within a domain. · They allow for hierarchical organization. · They simplify delegation of administrative control. · They allow for granular control over security and policy settings

forestt

A ______ is a collection of one or more domains that share a common schema, configuration, and global catalog

Sites

: ___ represent the physical topology of the network.7 They are used to optimize replication traffic between domain controllers.