Frequently Asked Questions

What is this course about? In this course, you gain the knowledge and skills to ensure availability for mission-critical applications using Windows Server 2003 clustering technologies. You learn to build scalable and reliable applications, including server clusters for highly reliable systems and Network Load Balancing for high-performance systems. Recent advances in clustering technology, addressing such issues as improved installation and configuration, software stability and larger node clusters, makes clustering an essential asset for both small- and large-scale organisations. Who will benefit from this course? This course is valuable for those responsible for planning or implementing Windows Server 2003-based clusters and those who need to learn how to increase the reliability and performance of their systems beyond their current computer hardware capabilities. Those who are presently designing or implementing a server cluster solution also gain vital insight and experience into properly deploying Windows Server and Network Load Balancing clusters. What background do I need? Experience with Windows Server administration at the level of Course 595, Windows Server® 2003: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction, or equivalent knowledge, is assumed. Basic TCP/IP knowledge, including configuring IP addresses and DNS on network adapters, is also assumed. A working knowledge of SQL Server and Exchange is helpful since these topics are discussed in the course. What is the difference between a server cluster and Network Load Balancing? Server clusters allow multiple computers to connect to the same data storage device with the objective of allowing a single machine to fail and its applications and services to be transferred seamlessly to the remaining nodes. The primary goal with a server cluster is to provide high-availability for applications such as SQL Server, Exchange, DHCP, filesharing and printers. Network Load Balancing is the process of making multiple computers appear as one entity on the network while having no shared storage device. The principal objective behind Network Load Balancing is higher performance, examples being applications such as IIS and Terminal Services. What hardware is used in the course? You build a server cluster using Virtual Server 2005 through a series of realistic design and implementation exercises. Network Load Balancing requires no special hardware, however each course participant will be setting up their own NLB during the course. What applications and services will I learn to cluster? During the course you learn to cluster services such as DHCP and WINS, as well as applications such as SQL Server, Exchange and IIS. Hands-on exercises provide practical experience clustering SQL Server, Exchange Server, Terminal Services, and others. What clustering models will I learn to implement? This course covers both shared storage and geographically dispersed clusters in sizes ranging from single node to the Microsoft maximum of eight nodes. During the course, you design clusters using various models including Active/Active, Active/Passive, and more complex models that incorporate greater than two nodes. How much time is spent on each topic? Content Hours Introduction to clustering 1.5 Planning and designing server clusters 2.5 Implementing server clusters 3.5 Clustering for high-availability 3.0 Administering server clusters 2.0 Installing Network Load Balancing 2.0 Managing Network Load Balancing 2.0 Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class. What kind of hands-on exercises will I perform? Approximately forty percent of the course is spent doing hands-on exercises which provide you with immediate experience in planning, deploying and managing clusters. Exercises include: Building a server cluster infrastructure Testing Majority Node Set failures Establishing Active/Active printer clusters Clustering SQL Server and Exchange Server for maximum availability Repairing damaged clusters Constructing a Network Load Balance cluster Configuring network load balanced Terminal Services and IIS Web server And much more! Why should I take this course instead of one offered by Microsoft? Learning Tree is dedicated to accelerating the careers of our clients by providing them with world-class technology and management training. Our independence from Microsoft (and every other vendor) allows us to give an unbiased view of what works and what does not. This course is objective in its approach, having been developed independently from Microsoft by industry experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom. How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses? Those interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in SQL Server or Exchange Sever should consider: 131, SQL Server® 2005: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction  provides the essential skills to build databases, queries and reports for SQL Server 2005. 132, SQL Server® 2005 Database Administration: Hands-On focuses on the skills needed to administer SQL Server 2005 with SQL Server Management Studio and Transact-SQL. 578, Exchange Server 2003 Administration: Hands-On focuses on the skills needed to install and configure Exchange Server 2003 in a Windows Server 2003 network. Learning Tree also offers a complete Windows Server 2003 curriculum, including: 596, Windows Server® 2003 Active Directory®: Hands-On provides the essential skills to plan a solid and reliable Windows Server 2003 foundation and migration from previous Windows environments. 597, Deploying and Managing a Windows Server® 2003 Environment: Hands-On offers the skills to efficiently deploy and administer clients and servers within a Windows Server 2003 domain. 598, Troubleshooting Windows Server® 2003 Environments provides the knowledge and skills to effectively and efficiently optimise and troubleshoot a Windows Server 2003 operating system. 599, Securing Windows Server® 2003: Hands-On provides the skills and experience needed to leverage the key security components of Windows Server 2003.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.