Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 R2

Clean Installation

Installing the OS on a new disk partition.

Server Core

Minimal installation without a GUI, prioritizing performance and efficiency.

Custom Installation

Allows selecting specific disks or partitions for installation.

Administrator Password

Must meet complexity requirements (e.g., upper/lowercase, special characters).

Server Editions

Datacenter Edition: Unlimited virtual instances for large enterprises. Standard Edition: Two virtual instances per license, suitable for medium businesses. Essentials Edition: For small businesses with up to 25 users.

Role-based Installation

Installs specific server roles on a single server or VHD.

Server Roles

Functional components added to extend server capabilities (e.g., DHCP, DNS).

Role Services

Subcomponents of roles offering additional features (e.g., remote access, replication).

Server Manager

Centralized interface for managing roles, features, and server health.

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

Framework for administrative tools like disk and service management.

PowerShell

Command-line tool for automating and managing server roles and features. Get-WindowsFeature

Disk Management

Utility to manage disks, partitions, and volumes.

Active Directory

Manages users, groups, and security policies within a domain.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on the network.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Resolves human-readable domain names into IP addresses.

Domain Controller

A server that manages authentication and security in a domain.

Remote Desktop Services

Provides remote desktop access to the server or client systems.

NTFS

File system for efficient file management and security.

Service

A background task or process in Windows Server.

Service MMC

Management console for viewing and configuring services.

Service Startup Type

Defines how a service starts: Manual, Automatic, Disabled.

Service Logon Account

Account used by a service to interact with the system.

Service Recovery Options

Defines actions on service failure: Restart, Run Program.

Service Dependencies

Other services required for a service to run.

Get-Service

Displays a list of services on the system.

Start-Service

Starts a specified service or multiple services.

Stop-Service

Stops a specified service or multiple services.

Restart-Service

Stops and then starts a specified service.

Suspend-Service

Pauses a running service temporarily.

Resume-Service

Resumes a suspended service to continue operation.

Set-Service

Changes properties of a service, including status.

New-Service

Creates a new service in Windows Server.