Windows Server^® 2008:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

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 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. This course also 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, leveraging remote administration, implementing security, performing full server backups, building a Distributed File System (DFS), defining quotas and setting up Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

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 expand 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.

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.

Has this course been updated to the latest release of Windows Server 2008 R2?

Yes. The entire course has been revised to incorporate Windows Server 2008 R2 features and functionality.

How much time is spent on each topic?

How do the hands-on exercises simulate a real-world enterprise?

Approximately 50 percent of this course is spent in hands-on exercises. 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.

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.

Does this course cover integration with Windows7, 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 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. For full coverage of the Client OS, you should take Course 2400, Windows^® 7: 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:

• 2400, Windows® 7: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 2401, Deploying and Managing Windows® 7: Hands-On 
• 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 
• 966, Internet Information Services 7.5 for Windows Server® 2008: Hands-On 
• 969, Windows PowerShell? Hands-On: Automating Administrative Tasks 
• 538, SharePoint® 2007 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 968, Windows Server® 2008 Hyper-V? Virtualisation: Hands-On 

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