Frequently Asked Questions

What is this course about? This course provides a complete hands-on exploration of Windows Server 2008. This fundamental operating system adds many new features to the well-established core technologies of Windows Server 2003. You gain experience in the first steps toward designing, evaluating and implementing a Windows Server 2008 environment. Today, organisations need to have a full understanding of the powerful features offered by Windows Server 2008 that not only save time, but also enable the construction of a solid server infrastructure. This course covers installing and upgrading to Windows Server 2008, building the essential Active Directory Domain Services, creating users and groups, supervising the system, scheduling periodic tasks, and leveraging remote administration. Other topics include configuring workstations and servers with Active Directory-based Group Policies, delegating the administration, managing disks and volumes, restoring from full backups for disaster recovery, securing the file system and shares with Access Control Lists, building a Distributed File System (DFS) hierarchy, imposing quotas, screening files, setting up Windows Server Core, and implementing "RemoteApp" applications with Terminal Services. In addition to the many hands-on exercises illustrating the notions and mechanisms, this course uses case studies to show the practical applications of concepts. Who will benefit from this course? This course is beneficial for those who are new to Windows Server as well as those who are migrating from other operating systems; including system and network administrators, support personnel, programmers who are preparing enterprise applications and help desk personnel. Those who currently have basic experience with Windows Server 2003 can consolidate their knowledge and skills with this course. Those with strong experience in Windows 2003 should consider taking the advanced Windows Server 2008 courses. What background do I need? It is assumed that you are familiar with basic operating system technologies and are comfortable with a graphical user environment. Although knowledge of a Windows user interface would be helpful, it is not assumed. Does this course cover the Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS)? Yes. We fully explore the Directory services, including domains, domain trees, schema, domain controllers, Global Catalogs (GCs), and the Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI). Not only will you learn how to create user accounts and groups, but also delegation of the administration and group policy deployment to configure servers and workstations remotely. Will I learn about PowerShell? Yes. Powershell is the new command line interface provided by Windows Server 2008, which allows you to enter into a new dimension in the automation of administrative and reporting tasks. You learn how to use the fundamental "cmdlets" and to combine them into simple scripts, for server configuration reporting and user account creation. Will I learn about Windows Server Core? Yes. Windows Server Core is the new bare-bones server setup which allows you to reduce the server's attack surface for optimal security and maximise the potential of virtualisation. In this course you not only learn about the capabilities and limitations of Server Core, you also comprehend and practice the essential survival commands. How much time is spent on each topic? Content Hours Installing and upgrading to Windows Server 2008 2.5 Building and populating the Active Directory 4.0 Configuring and managing the system 3.5 Implementing file system features and security 3.5 Controlling network components and services 3.5 Administering the Active Directory 3.0 Extending Windows Server 2008 features 3.0 Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class. My company is currently running Windows Server 2003 and is thinking of moving to Windows Server 2008. Should I take this course? Windows Server 2008 is an incremental upgrade to Windows 2003; consequently, the concepts you learn are the same, but many new features are covered in this course. If you are interested in performing the hands-on exercises using Windows Server 2008, then you should attend this course. I manage the network of a small company. Will I benefit from this course? Yes. You learn vital concepts that help you implement a Windows Server 2008 server infrastructure, regardless of size. Implementing the fundamental server features correctly from the start guarantees scalability as your company grows. How do the hands-on exercises simulate a real-world enterprise? The classroom environment simulates many aspects of a real enterprise, allowing you to gain skills that you can immediately apply after taking this course. The course load is built on multiple Windows Server 2008 virtual machines, allowing you to experiment with real world situations in practical hands-on exercises. The exercise manual can be used back in your office as a step-by-step reference guide. Does this course cover integration with Windows Vista and Windows XP? Yes. The course covers the Active Directory and the interaction between the Windows client and servers at an introductory level. The course offers client details based on Windows Server 2008, but they are equally applicable to Windows Vista and Windows XP. For full coverage of Windows Vista, you should take Course 950, Windows Vista®: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction. 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 any other vendor) allows us to offer an unbiased view of what works and what does not. This course is objective in its approach, having been developed independently of Microsoft by industry experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom. How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses? After taking this course, you might be interested in these follow-on courses: 961, Windows Server® 2008 Administration: Hands-On  962, Windows Server® 2008 Active Directory Domain Services: Hands-On  963, Windows Server® 2008 Group Policy Management: Hands-On  964, Windows Server® 2008 Security Infrastructure: Hands-On  966, Internet Information Services 7 for Windows Server® 2008: Hands-On  969, Windows PowerShell™ Hands-On: Automating Administrative Tasks  954, Deploying Microsoft Office SharePoint® Server 2007: Hands-On  538, SharePoint® Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

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