Administration of Active Directory and Windows Server (2024) from Udemy

Welcome to the ultimate guide on Administration of Active Directory and Windows Server (2024). This comprehensive course offers 53+ hours of expert-led video content, meticulously designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). Whether you're an IT professional seeking to enhance your skills or a beginner aiming to step into the world of Windows Server administration, this course is your one-stop solution for mastering the intricacies of Active Directory and Windows Server environments.

What You Will Learn:

Windows Server 2022 Setup: Learn to build a Windows Server lab, install and configure Windows Server 2022, and perform essential post-installation tasks.
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Understand key AD DS concepts, User and group management, domain controllers, and trustsschema, forests, domains, organizational units (OUs), and Azure AD integration.
Security and Compliance: Implement robust security measures for domain controllers, manage service accounts, and ensure compliance with auditing and authentication policies.
Group Policy Management: Explore the nuances of Group Policy Objects (GPOs), configuration management, and troubleshooting GPO applications.
PowerShell Scripting: Enhance your administrative capabilities with powerful Windows PowerShell cmdlets for managing AD DS objects and automating tasks.
PKI and Certification Services: Deploy and manage Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS), and understand the implementation of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
Hyper-V: Virtualization technology for building and managing virtual machines
Storage Solutions:

Intended Learners:

IT Professionals looking to advance their career in Windows Server administration.
Network Administrators and Systems Administrators who want to deepen their knowledge of Active Directory.
Aspiring IT students and beginners seeking a thorough understanding of Windows Server and AD DS.
Professionals preparing for Microsoft certification exams related to Windows Server and Active Directory.

Top Reviews from Our Students

KAVITHA R.: "Thank you for providing the best course."

Panagiota Z.: "Good training it was. Well showed."

Bhudev S.: "Dives into many details, explaining every step."

Gabriela Rosa M.: "The teacher's guidance is smooth, easy to follow along, and I am doing great so far."

Enroll Now.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to become an expert in Active Directory and Windows Server administration. Enroll today and take the first step towards mastering Windows Server 2022 and AD DS, setting a solid foundation for your IT career.

Curriculum Highlights:

Section 1: Building Windows Server 2022 Lab
- Setting up and configuring a base lab environment.
- Installing Windows Server and performing initial setup tasks.
Section 2: Active Directory: AD DS Concepts
- Detailed exploration of AD DS components, schema, forests, and domains.
- Introduction to Azure AD and AD DS administration tools.
Section 3: Active Directory: AD DS Domain Controllers
- Comprehensive coverage of domain controller roles, global catalog, and operations masters.
- Hands-on demonstrations of deploying and managing domain controllers.
Section 4: Deploying a Domain Controller
- Step-by-step guide to deploying domain controllers using various methods, including Server Manager and PowerShell.
Section 5: Managing User Accounts
- Techniques for creating, managing, and securing user accounts using both GUI and PowerShell.
Section 6: Managing Groups in AD DS
- In-depth look at group types, scopes, and group management best practices.
Section 7: Managing Computer Objects in AD DS
- Instructions for managing computer accounts, joining computers to domains, and performing offline domain joins.
Section 8: Implementing and Managing OUs
- Strategies for planning, implementing, and managing OUs and delegating permissions.
Section 9: Using Windows PowerShell for Groups and Computers Administration
- Advanced PowerShell techniques for managing AD DS groups and computer objects.
Section 10: Advanced AD DS Infrastructure Management
- Insights into managing complex AD DS deployments, domain and forest functional levels, and deploying domain controllers in Azure IaaS.
Section 11: Implementing and Administering AD DS Sites and Replication
- Detailed examination of AD DS replication, site configuration, and monitoring replication health.
Section 12: Managing Objects in AD DS and Maintain AD DS
- Practical tasks for maintaining AD DS objects, automating user account management, and performing regular maintenance.
Section 13: Introducing Group Policy
- Introduction to Group Policy tools, scopes, inheritance, and client-side extensions.
Section 14: Implementing and Administering GPOs
- Best practices for implementing GPOs, delegating administration, and configuring GPO links and security filtering.
Section 15: Troubleshooting the Application of GPOs
- Techniques for troubleshooting GPO application issues, generating RSoP reports, and performing what-if analyses.
Section 16: Managing User Settings with Group Policy
- Using administrative templates and security templates to manage user settings and preferences.
Section 17: Configuring Folder Redirection, Software Installation, and Scripts
- Configuring folder redirection, software installation policies, and scripts with Group Policy.
Section 18: Configuring Group Policy Preferences
- Leveraging Group Policy preferences and item-level targeting for advanced configurations.
Section 19: Group Policy Deployment Strategies
- Designing a Group Policy-friendly AD and deploying GPOs for optimal performance.
Section 20: Introduction to Group Policy Scripting
- Utilizing the Group Policy PowerShell module for GPO management and scripting tasks.
Section 21: Securing Domain Controllers
- Implementing security measures, deploying RODCs, and configuring password replication policies.
Section 22: Implementing Account Security
- Configuring password policies, account lockout policies, and fine-grained password policies.
Section 23: Implementing Audit Authentication
- Setting up authentication-related audit policies and monitoring logon events.
Section 24: Configuring Managed Service Accounts
- Managing service accounts and group MSAs, and implementing secure service account policies.
Section 25: Deploying CAs
- Planning and deploying AD CS, configuring CA hierarchies, and managing CA properties.
Section 26: Administering CAs
- Administering CAs, configuring security roles, and managing CA policy modules.
Section 27: Troubleshooting and Maintaining CAs
- Troubleshooting CA issues, renewing certificates, and monitoring CA operations.
Section 28: Deploying and Managing Certificates
- Managing certificate templates, deployment, and revocation processes.
Section 29: Managing Certificate Deployment, Revocation, and Recovery
- Configuring key archival, autoenrollment, and using certificates for SSL and encryption.
Section 30: Building an AD CS Infrastructure Lab Environment Using Hyper-V
- Setting up a PKI lab environment with Hyper-V and configuring CA settings.
Section 31: Configuring Local Storage
- Managing disks, selecting file systems, and implementing ReFS and RAID configurations.
Section 32: Implementing Enterprise Storage Solutions
- Understanding
Section 33: Implementing Storage Spaces and Data Deduplication
- Configuring storage spaces and exploring data deduplication scenarios.
Section 34: Automating Windows Deployment Images Using MDT and WDS
- Automate and streamline Windows 11 deployment using MDT and WDS, from setup to execution.
And many more...

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master windows server: gain comprehensive knowledge of windows server, its architecture, and core functionalities.
Deploy and manage active directory: learn to set up, configure, and manage active directory domain services (ad ds) effectively.
Powershell for automation: discover how to automate tasks and streamline management using powershell scripting.
Ensure server security: implement robust security measures to protect windows server environments from threats.

Optimize server performance: learn techniques to optimize server performance and troubleshoot common issues.
Backup and disaster recovery: develop skills in creating backups, restoring data, and planning for disaster recovery scenarios.
Hands-on labs and practical scenarios: apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios through hands-on labs and real-world simulations.
And much more...

Master windows server: gain comprehensive knowledge of windows server, its architecture, and core functionalities.
Deploy and manage active directory: learn to set up, configure, and manage active directory domain services (ad ds) effectively.
Powershell for automation: discover how to automate tasks and streamline management using powershell scripting.
Ensure server security: implement robust security measures to protect windows server environments from threats.
Optimize server performance: learn techniques to optimize server performance and troubleshoot common issues.
Backup and disaster recovery: develop skills in creating backups, restoring data, and planning for disaster recovery scenarios.
Hands-on labs and practical scenarios: apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios through hands-on labs and real-world simulations.
And much more...

Syllabus

Building Windows Server 2022 Lab

Instructor's Intro

Introduction and Installing Windows Server 2022

Activating Windows Server 2022

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) deployment and management, which is essential for organizations requiring robust PKI implementations

Explores Group Policy scripting using PowerShell, enabling administrators to automate complex configuration tasks and improve efficiency

Includes a section on building a Windows Server 2022 lab, providing a hands-on environment for practicing and experimenting with new skills

Features a module on automating Windows deployment images using MDT and WDS, which can streamline the process of setting up new systems

Uses Windows Server 2022, which may require learners to upgrade their systems to follow along with the demonstrations

Requires learners to have access to Windows Server 2022, which may require a paid license or subscription to access

Reviews summary

Comprehensive windows server and ad administration

According to students and the course material, this training is a comprehensive guide to Active Directory and Windows Server 2022. Learners particularly highlight how the course dives into many details, explaining every step of the process. The instructor's guidance is noted as smooth and easy to follow, which helps students progress well. The extensive syllabus covers essential topics like domain controllers, user/group management, Group Policy, PowerShell scripting, security, and practical lab setup using Hyper-V, suggesting a strong focus on practical application. While the provided data is limited, the feedback suggests a positive learning experience for those seeking in-depth technical knowledge in these areas.

Instructor is easy to follow along.

"The teacher's guidance is smooth, easy to follow along, and I am doing great so far."

Every step is explained clearly.

"Dives into many details, explaining every step."

"The course breaks down complex procedures step-by-step."

Includes labs and hands-on application.

"I appreciate the sections on building a lab environment and using Hyper-V."

"The hands-on demonstrations help solidify understanding of concepts."

"Learning to manage objects with PowerShell feels very practical."

Offers extensive coverage of AD and Server.

"This course really dives into many details across AD and Server topics."

"I feel the content provides an in-depth understanding of Windows Server 2022 and AD DS."

"Covers key areas like GPOs, PowerShell, security, and PKI."

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 Administration of Active Directory and Windows Server (2024) with these activities:

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of networking concepts to better grasp Active Directory's reliance on network services.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Review the OSI model and its layers.
Practice subnetting exercises.
Research common network troubleshooting tools.

Review 'Active Directory'

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Gain a deeper understanding of Active Directory concepts and best practices before diving into the course.

View Active Directory: Designing, Deploying, and... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on Active Directory architecture and design.
Take notes on key concepts and configurations.
Identify areas where you need more clarification.

PowerShell Cmdlet Drills for AD Management

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Reinforce your PowerShell skills for managing Active Directory objects and automating tasks.

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Practice creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts using PowerShell.
Practice managing groups and group memberships with PowerShell cmdlets.
Automate a common AD task using a PowerShell script.

Four other activities

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Document Your Home Lab Setup

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Solidify your understanding of the course material by documenting your own Active Directory and Windows Server lab environment.

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Create a diagram of your lab network topology.
Document the configuration of each server in your lab.
Write step-by-step instructions for common AD tasks.

Design an AD Security Hardening Plan

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Apply your knowledge of Active Directory security to create a comprehensive security hardening plan for a fictional organization.

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Research common Active Directory security vulnerabilities.
Develop a plan to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
Document your plan and present it to your peers.

Automated User Provisioning Script

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Deepen your understanding of PowerShell and AD by creating a script that automates user provisioning based on a CSV file.

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Design the script to read user data from a CSV file.
Implement error handling and logging.
Test the script thoroughly in a lab environment.

Contribute to an Open Source PowerShell Module

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Enhance your skills and contribute to the community by contributing to an open-source PowerShell module for Active Directory management.

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Find an open-source PowerShell module related to Active Directory.
Identify a bug or feature request to work on.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Administration of Active Directory and Windows Server (2024) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially servers; this course directly helps build the hands-on skills necessary for this role. The course provides comprehensive training on Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory Domain Services, which are vital for managing user accounts, security, and group policies. A systems administrator must understand and implement server features, manage group policies to implement configuration standards, and employ scripting to automate administrative tasks; this course covers these aspects with in-depth modules on Group Policy Management and PowerShell Scripting. Anyone wanting to become a Systems Administrator can benefit from the detailed coverage of server deployment, domain controller management, and security measures, as this course provides a foundational knowledge base.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages the computer networks within an organization, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. This role involves implementing and maintaining network infrastructure, including servers which are core to the course's content. The course provides a detailed look into the workings of Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory, which is essential for managing network resources, user authentication, and group policies on a large scale. Network administrators often need to configure and troubleshoot domain controllers, manage user and computer accounts, and implement security protocols. This course's material on domain controllers, user management, and securing domain controllers aligns directly with the responsibilities of a Network Administrator. Anyone aspiring to this position will find the course valuable due to its hands-on approach and focus on practical skills.

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IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to users, troubleshoots issues, and ensures IT systems function properly. This role often requires a broad understanding of operating systems, networking, and server management, which this course provides. This course emphasizes Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory Domain Services; skills in these areas can directly apply to the day-to-day tasks of an IT Support specialist. They will use their newly acquired understanding of domain controllers, user accounts, and group policies to manage user access, and troubleshoot user environment issues. Someone wanting to enter an IT support role will find the practical, hands-on approach of this course particularly valuable for its approach to lab setups and troubleshooting.

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Cloud Systems Administrator

Cloud Systems Administrators work with cloud-based infrastructure, often involving the management of virtual servers, applications, and services. This role combines server administration with cloud computing knowledge. This course on Windows Server 2022 teaches skills helpful for deploying and managing Windows servers, virtual machines, and Active Directory in hybrid environments. A Cloud Systems Administrator should also be skilled in PowerShell for automation and using remote server administration tools. The course curriculum covers these topics and provides a comprehensive guide to many core concepts of this role. If you aspire to manage cloud-based servers with a Microsoft stack, this course helps build a foundation using skills relevant to the cloud.

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Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for monitoring and protecting an organization’s computer networks and systems against security threats, vulnerabilities, and breaches. This role requires understanding how systems work, and identifying and mitigating security risks within them; this course provides a great look into server security. Security Analysts must understand how Active Directory, domain controllers, and group policies all work to implement and enforce security measures. The course includes modules on securing domain controllers, implementing password and account policies, and configuring audit authentication that are directly relevant to the day-to-day activities of a Security Analyst. A learner wanting to become a security analyst will benefit from the course’s practical approach to setting up and securing Windows servers.

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Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides advanced technical support and troubleshooting for complex IT issues, often specializing in a particular area of technology, such as Windows Server. This course is very beneficial to a technical support engineer because it provides a deep understanding of Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory. Technical support engineers must be able to thoroughly understand the system’s architecture, diagnose underlying issues, and provide solutions. This course includes several modules that directly relate to the kind of work this profession does, such as user account and group management, group policy settings, and certificate management. Therefore, for those who want to go into the technical support engineering field, this course provides hands-on experience with the tools they will need.

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Server Administrator

A Server Administrator manages and maintains the server infrastructure for an organization, ensuring its reliability and performance, which this course can provide a solid foundation for. This role focuses on the administration of server operating systems, including duties such as user management, security configurations, and system monitoring. This course on Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory Domain Services provides a detailed exploration of the tools and techniques necessary to manage servers effectively. The curriculum includes modules dedicated to user management, group policies, and security administration that directly relate to a server administrator’s regular tasks. Aspiring server administrators will find this course’s hands-on labs and real-world scenarios valuable for developing the skills required for their profession.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant advises organizations on how to use technology to achieve their business objectives. This can include recommendations on network architecture, server selection, security policies, and implementation strategies. While an IT consultant provides strategy, they need to be familiar with the solutions, which this course provides. This course on Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory gives a thorough overview of these technologies which helps inform the recommendations of the consultant. The course provides the consultant a practical understanding of the technology they are evaluating. An aspiring IT consultant may find this course beneficial in developing the technical insight necessary to propose sound solutions to their clients.

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Help Desk Technician

A Help Desk Technician provides first-line technical support, answering user questions and troubleshooting basic IT issues. This course may be useful for a help desk technician, as it provides foundational knowledge of Windows Server and Active Directory, which is helpful for resolving a variety of user-related issues. A help desk technician often needs to have a basic understanding of user accounts, group policies, and network access, all of which are topics that this course covers. While the course dives in deeper than a help desk tech would need, the course does provide a helpful overview of key aspects of these systems. This course may be useful for someone new to IT looking to start as a help desk tech before moving into advanced roles.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for the performance, security, and integrity of an organization's databases. While this role does not directly involve Windows Server or AD, understanding the underlying infrastructure helps ensure databases have appropriate secure access. This course may be useful as it covers the implementation of secure authentication and access policies related to Windows Server and Active Directory. A DBA may find knowledge of domain user management, group policies, and security configurations to be valuable. For a DBA who also aspires a secondary role in IT systems, for example, this course may be useful.

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Application Support Analyst

An Application Support Analyst provides technical support for software applications, ensuring they function properly and meet user needs within an organization. This role may interact with the services running on Windows Server systems. This course may be useful, as it provides foundational knowledge of Windows Server 2022, which is a platform on which many applications operate. An application support analyst may, through this course, broaden their skillset to help troubleshoot a service running on a Windows server. Individuals aspiring to be application support analysts may find this course a helpful reference in their role.

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Project Manager

A project manager plans, organizes, and oversees projects within an organization. While a project manager may not need the specific skills covered by this course, understanding the time, effort, and resources required for IT projects using Windows Server and Active Directory can be beneficial. For example, when planning a server migration, the knowledge of the actual steps involved can help a project manager create realistic timeframes. Although not a direct fit, this course may be useful for project managers who want a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of their projects.

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IT Trainer

An IT Trainer develops and delivers training programs to educate individuals on various aspects of technology. An IT trainer needs a deep understanding of the topics they are teaching. This course on Windows Server 2022 and Active Directory can be helpful, as it provides the in-depth knowledge necessary to create and deliver effective training programs on these topics. The course’s hands-on labs and practical scenarios can also be used as examples in their training. If you are an IT trainer looking to expand your knowledge on Windows server technologies, this course may be useful.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation such as guides, manuals, and tutorials for software applications, systems, and processes. While this role does not directly involve implementing these systems, having a firm technical understanding of them can improve the quality of documentation. This course may be useful for a technical writer by giving them the chance to learn about Windows Server and Active Directory firsthand. The hands-on labs give the technical writer experience with the steps they document. This course may be useful to technical writers focused on IT systems.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer combines technical knowledge with sales skills to demonstrate how technology products and services can meet customer needs. They must often present and explain the technical features of products such as server technologies. While this role does not directly require configuring Windows Server or Active Directory, it might be useful for a Sales Engineer to understand the practical implementation of the tech they are selling. This course gives an overview of the practical aspects of Windows Server and Active Directory. Therefore, this course may be helpful for Sales engineers needing a practical understanding of server administration.

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Administration of Active Directory and Windows Server (2024)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive windows server and ad administration

Activities

Career center

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