What is this course about?

This hands-on course focuses on the configuration, installation and implementation of Terminal Services (TS) in a Windows Server 2008 environment. Attendees learn how to optimise TS enhanced features to provide a centralised system for accessing applications easily and securely from any network-connected location. Troubleshooting and managing security are also addressed.

Who will benefit from this course?

Those who are responsible for managing a Windows Server 2008 TS environment, including IT Professionals, system administrators, help desk team members, as well as anyone who is interested in how Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services can assist their organisation.

What background do I need?

You need to have attended Course 960, Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction, or have experience with a Windows Server 2003 operating system in an Active Directory environment. At a minimum, you need to know how to navigate a Windows interface, and understand Active Directory concepts and Group Policy application. Although these topics are not taught in this course, the technologies are applied.

Will this course address the new features unique to Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services?

Yes. This course covers new 2008 features such as TS Gateway, TS RemoteApp, and TS Web Access. However this course also addresses fundamental Terminal Services concepts that apply to previous versions of TS as well.

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.

I have extensive experience with Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services. Should I take this course?

This course covers fundamental TS concepts, as well as new advanced technologies specific to Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services. Much of the content in this course may serve as a refresher for more experienced Terminal Services administrators.

I am a desktop support specialist. Will this course benefit me even though I don't administer servers?

Yes. This course addresses many client-related topics and will also provide you with insights into server configurations that may affect you and the desktops you support.

We are moving from Citrix to Terminal Services. Should I take this course?

Yes. Even though you may be familiar with thin client technologies, this course will introduce you to the tools and technologies unique to Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services.

My organisation is large with many remote offices and a distributed workforce. Will this course help me manage applications and resources for both telecommuters and in-house employees?

Yes. Regardless of the size of your organisation, Terminal Services can help you maximise your return on investment and lower your total cost of ownership through resource centralisation.

I am interested in Terminal Services, however I don't have a Microsoft Windows background. Is this the best course for me?

Yes. However, you need a fundamental understanding of Windows Server in order to benefit from this course. Course 960, Windows Server^® 2008: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction will provide you with the prerequisite knowledge necessary to benefit from this course's content.

My organisation handles highly sensitive data and is considering a thin client solution. Will this course teach me how to distribute my workforce and still maintain system security and data privacy?

Yes, while this course is not dedicated to understanding security, it will acquaint you with many of the principles involved in securing a Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services environment.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are in the course?

Approximately 45% of the class time is hands-on. Practical exercises provide experience administering Windows Server 2008. Exercises include:

• Installing Terminal Services
• Configuring Terminal Server and client settings
• Setting up a Terminal Services Gateway
• Deploying applications with TS RemoteApp
• Providing external connectivity with TS Web Access
• Administering Terminal Servers with Group Policies
• Clustering Terminal Servers with NLB (Network Load Balancing)
• Securing Terminal Services sessions

Does this course only relate to Windows Server 2008 servers or can I apply what I learn to other server operating systems?

The exercises in this course are done in a Windows Server 2008 Active Directory environment; however, the principles and practices you learn are the same for any server administration scenario. Some of the tools are only available in Windows Server 2008, such as Server Manager, but for the most part, the tools used in this course are compatible with earlier versions of Microsoft server operating systems. In addition, Windows Vista is the client operating system used in the exercises and many of the techniques you learn in this course are applicable to the Windows Vista environment.

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 the following:

• 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 
• 965, System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Hands-On 
• 966, Internet Information Services 7.5 for Windows Server® 2008: Hands-On 
• 968, Windows Server® 2008 Hyper-V? Virtualisation: Hands-On 
• 969, Windows PowerShell? Hands-On: Automating Administrative Tasks 
• 950, Windows Vista®: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 951, Deploying Windows Vista®: Hands-On