Windows Server Administration Concepts: Basics and Installation from Pluralsight

Windows servers are the engines that drive business networks. This course covers the editions of Windows Server, how to install them, and how to set up device drivers and Windows services. It’s the perfect starting point for new server admins.

Almost everyone these days has experience with “client” operating systems such as Windows 10, but the IT networking world requires up-close work with “server” operating systems. Windows servers look similar to Windows clients at first glance, but there are many key differences. In this course, Windows Server Administration Concepts: Basics and Installation, you will gain the ability to install and configure the Windows Server operating system. First, you will learn about the multiple editions of Windows Server, including licensing, servicing channels, and whether to choose Server Core or Desktop Experience versions. Next, you will discover details about installing Windows Server, including upgrades versus clean installs, interactive versus automated installs, and how to migrate user settings and server roles from old systems to new ones. Finally, you will set up server hardware with the proper device drivers, and know how to maintain and troubleshoot them over time, and you will ensure that operating system services are set up for optimum performance and security using both graphical and command-line tools. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to select, install, and configure Windows Server operating systems, and you’ll be ready for further exploration of server roles, storage, Active Directory, performance, and maintenance in later courses. This course is part of a learning path that aligns with the objectives for the Microsoft Technology Associate certification track (exam 98-365).

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Editions of Windows Server

Install Windows Server

Configure Device Drivers

Configure Operating System Services

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the foundational concepts of Windows Server administration, including server roles, storage, and Active Directory

Taught by Glenn Weadock, a recognized expert in Windows Server administration

Covers the latest versions of Windows Server, ensuring that learners are up-to-date with the latest technologies

Provides a solid foundation for learners who are new to Windows Server administration or who are looking to enhance their skills

May require learners to have some prior experience with Windows operating systems or IT networking to fully benefit from the course

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Windows Server Administration Concepts: Basics and Installation with these activities:

Review computer hardware concepts

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Review basic computer hardware concepts to ensure a solid foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Computer Hardware

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Review the different types of computer hardware components
Understand the functions of each component
Identify the different types of computer buses

Review networking fundamentals

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Refresh your knowledge of networking concepts to strengthen the foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Networking

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Review the OSI model
Understand the different types of network protocols
Identify common network security threats

Compile a list of resources on Windows Server administration

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Gather and organize resources to support your learning journey in Windows Server administration.

Browse courses on Windows Server Administration

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Search for articles, tutorials, and documentation on Windows Server administration
Bookmark or save the resources in a central location
Categorize the resources based on topic or relevance

Six other activities

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Follow tutorials on installing Windows Server

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Follow online tutorials to gain practical experience in installing Windows Server.

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Search for reputable tutorials on Windows Server installation
Follow the steps outlined in the tutorials
Troubleshoot any issues encountered during the installation process

Practice installing Windows Server on virtual machines

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Gain hands-on experience by practicing installing Windows Server on virtual machines.

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Set up a virtual machine environment
Install Windows Server on the virtual machine
Configure the installed Windows Server

Join a study group focused on Windows Server administration

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Engage with peers and exchange knowledge by joining a study group on Windows Server administration.

Browse courses on Windows Server Administration

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Search for study groups in your area or online
Contact the group leader or organizer
Attend study sessions and actively participate

Create a documentation guide for installing Windows Server

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Solidify your understanding by creating a comprehensive guide on installing Windows Server.

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Gather information and resources on Windows Server installation
Organize and structure the information into a logical flow
Write clear and concise instructions
Proofread and edit the documentation

Volunteer at a local IT organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at an IT organization.

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Identify local IT organizations that offer volunteer opportunities
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer roles
Attend volunteer training or orientation

Participate in a hackathon focused on Windows Server

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Challenge yourself and gain practical experience by participating in a hackathon centered around Windows Server.

Browse courses on Windows Server Administration

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Identify hackathons focused on Windows Server
Form a team or participate individually
Develop a solution that addresses a specific challenge

Career center

Learners who complete Windows Server Administration Concepts: Basics and Installation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators, plan, install, and maintain computer systems and networks. This often includes the installation and maintenance of Windows operating systems. This course teaches how to install Windows Server, configure it, and install any necessary drivers or services. This is useful knowledge for any Systems Administrator to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts create and manage systems to meet business needs. Often this will include managing the network infrastructure, including Windows Servers. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server and how to install it and configure it. This may help prepare for work as a Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators install, configure, and maintain computer networks. This often includes managing and troubleshooting Windows Servers. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server, how to install it and set up networking, and how to install and configure drivers. This course may be useful for anyone who wants to become a Network Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Cloud Support Engineer

Cloud Support Engineers support cloud-based infrastructure and applications. This often includes managing Windows Servers in the cloud. This course teaches the basics of installing and working with Windows Server, which is a valuable skill for any Cloud Support Engineer to have and will help in the day to day performance of any Cloud Support Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Support Engineer

IT Architect

IT Architects design and implement IT systems. This often includes designing and managing Windows Server environments. This course teaches the basics of installing and working with Windows Server, which is useful knowledge for any IT Architect to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Architect

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from security threats. This often includes managing and securing Windows Servers. This course teaches the basics of installing and configuring Windows Server, as well as how to install and configure security updates. This is a good foundation of knowledge for someone who wants to become an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. While this does not always involve working with Windows Server, it can be useful for Software Engineers to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server, which may be useful for Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. While this does not always involve working with Windows Server, it can be useful for Web Developers to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server, which may be useful for Web Developers.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. While this does not always involve working with Windows Server, it can be useful for Database Administrators to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server, which may be useful for Database Administrators.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers design, develop, and maintain computer programs. While this does not always involve working with Windows Server, it can be useful for Computer Programmers to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server, which may be useful for Computer Programmers.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. This often includes troubleshooting and resolving issues with Windows Server. This course teaches the basics of working with Windows Server, which may be helpful for Computer Support Specialists.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. While this may not always involve working with Windows Server, it can be useful for Network Engineers to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server.

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Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and manage computer systems and networks. While this may not always involve working with Windows Server, it can be useful for Computer and Information Systems Managers to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Systems Manager

Data Analyst

Data Analysts analyze data to identify trends and patterns. While this does not always involve working with Windows Server, it may be useful for Data Analysts to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. While this does not always involve working with Windows Server, it may be useful for Business Analysts to have a basic understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst