lesson 1 with answers

Installing Servers

Objective 1.1 – Install Servers

  • Plan for a Server Installation: Develop a comprehensive installation plan that considers the specific needs of the organization, including server roles, network configuration, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

  • Plan for Server Roles: Evaluate and determine which server roles are necessary for the organization, such as file storage, print services, or web hosting, to ensure all requirements are met.

  • Plan for Server Upgrade: Develop a strategy for upgrading existing servers that minimizes downtime and disruptions to services.

  • Install Server Core: Use Server Core installation to optimize server performance by reducing the overhead of a graphical user interface.

  • Optimize Resource Utilization using Features on Demand: Deploy only the required features and roles to conserve system resources and enhance security.

  • Migrate Roles from Previous Windows Server Versions: Utilize established procedures and tools to smoothly transition roles from earlier Windows Server versions without data loss.

Key Concepts

  • Selecting a Windows Server 2012 Edition: The selection process for Windows Server 2012 editions must take into account:

    • Intended server roles: Consider the specific services and applications that will run on the server.

    • Virtualization strategy: Assess the need for running multiple virtual machines and whether this requires the Datacenter or Standard edition.

    • Licensing strategy: Understand the overall costs and licensing requirements.

  • Simplified Process since Windows Server 2008:

    • All editions of Windows Server 2012 require 64-bit architecture, providing better performance.

    • No Itanium processor support indicates a shift towards more compatible hardware.

  • Core Editions of Windows Server 2012:

    • Windows Server 2012 Datacenter:

      • Designed for highly powerful servers supporting up to 64 processors.

      • Includes advanced fault-tolerance features, such as hot add processor support.

      • Licensing is available only through volume licensing or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

    • Windows Server 2012 Standard:

      • Offers a full feature set but limits the number of virtual machines that can be run.

    • Windows Server 2012 Essentials:

      • Tailored for small businesses, limited to one server instance and a maximum of 25 users.

      • Lacks some advanced features, such as Server Core, making it less suitable for larger operations.

    • Windows Server 2012 Foundation:

      • Feature-limited version designed for small business use with a maximum user count of 15 and no virtualization rights.

Supporting Server Roles

  • Windows Server 2012 can perform a variety of tasks through various roles, which can be assigned using Server Manager or Windows PowerShell. These roles can be categorized into three main areas:

    • Directory Services: E.g., Active Directory, which is essential for managing users and devices within a network.

    • Infrastructure Services: E.g., DHCP Server and DNS Server, which facilitate network communication.

    • Application Services: E.g., Web Server (IIS) and Application Server, which provide hosting capabilities for web and enterprise applications.

  • Choosing the right Windows Server edition is crucial based on anticipated roles and business needs to ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency.

Server Licensing

  • Different sales channels for licenses affect the availability of each edition:

    • POSE (Physical Operating System Environment): This refers to licenses associated with actual hardware, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.

    • VOSE (Virtual Operating System Environment): These are licenses for virtual machines running on Hyper-V servers.

  • Licensing Structure is straightforward:

    • Datacenter Edition: Allows for unlimited virtual machines, making it suitable for large enterprises with heavy virtualization needs.

    • Standard Edition: Permits one physical instance with a limited number of virtual machines, best suited for organizations with moderate virtualization.

    • Essentials: Available for organizations seeking a simple solution with one instance, either physical or virtual.

    • Foundation: Designed for small businesses with no support for virtual machines, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Installation Process

  • Performing a Clean Installation:

    1. Prepare the computer by connecting all necessary peripherals, including keyboards, mice, and monitors.

    2. Insert the installation disk and boot from it, ensuring the BIOS settings allow for booting from the disk.

    3. Select your preferred language, time format, and input method when prompted.

    4. Click "Install Now" and select the desired OS edition based on previous evaluations.

    5. Accept the license terms to proceed with the installation.

    6. Choose "Custom: Install Windows Only" to perform a fresh installation.

    7. Select the partition where Windows will be installed, which may involve creating or formatting partitions as necessary.

    8. Set the Administrator password and complete the installation process, ensuring a secure setup.

  • Working with Installation Partitions:

    • Under the "Drive options (advanced)" menu, users can delete, extend, format, or create new partitions to tailor their disk management to specific needs.

Server Core vs. Graphical Installation

  • Using Server Core:

    • A minimal installation option that provides only a command prompt interface, which significantly conserves hardware resources and minimizes potential security vulnerabilities.

    • Advantages include:

      • Hardware resource conservation, allowing for more efficient performance.

      • Reduced frequency of patches needed due to fewer installed components.

      • Decreased attack surface, enhancing security against threats.

      • Configuration can be managed through Windows PowerShell commands, making it efficient for skilled administrators.

  • Using Minimal Server Interface:

    • This option serves as a balance between a full GUI and the Server Core, allowing key management tools while excluding those requiring extensive graphical components. This option provides some manageability without fully compromising on resources.

Upgrading Servers

  • Upgrade Paths:

    • Servers can be upgraded from Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 to 2012, providing a smoother transition to newer functionalities.

    • Not Supported Upgrade Paths:

      • Cross-edition upgrades (e.g., from Standard to Datacenter).

      • Upgrading from older systems such as Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 is not supported, necessitating fresh installations.

  • Preparing for Upgrade:

    • Ensure hardware compatibility by checking system requirements and software signatures before proceeding.

    • Confirm there is sufficient disk space for a successful upgrade.

    • Backup essential data to prevent loss during the transition.

    • Purchase the appropriate Windows Server 2012 edition and ensure that installation media is readily available.

Migrating Roles

  • Migration Process:

    • Role migration is preferred over in-place upgrades, as it minimizes the risk of carrying over old configurations that could be problematic.

    • Windows Server Migration Tools aid in facilitating migration processes across various server versions and specifications.

    • Migration can involve transferring certain data and roles from x86/x64 servers to Windows Server 2012 effectively.

    • Detailed migration guides are available for each role or service, providing step-by-step instructions to ease transitions.

Certification Readiness

  • Develop familiarity with all server roles, installation options, and the processes associated with server migration in preparation for certification.

  • A strong understanding of Windows PowerShell commands and their usage during server management is crucial for effective and efficient server administration.