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Kevin Brown

Mastering Group Policy on Windows Server applies to Windows Server  This course is designed to teach Group Policy management to those that need to utilize group policy and other Active Directory tools to manage users and computers within their environments or to anyone that wants to able to understand group policy processing and capabilities at an Active Directory level.

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Mastering Group Policy on Windows Server applies to Windows Server  This course is designed to teach Group Policy management to those that need to utilize group policy and other Active Directory tools to manage users and computers within their environments or to anyone that wants to able to understand group policy processing and capabilities at an Active Directory level.

In this course you will gain a deep understanding for different considerations of Active Directory design that can impact how group policies are applied. You will gain insight into the decisions made to design Forest, Domain and Organizational Unit structures to ensure that they allow group policies to be effectively applied. You will also learn to plan for various considerations- for example, some users accounts of computer accounts may need to be exempt from a group policy object, you will learn the options that are available for that type of scenario.

This course will cover the following topics, and more.

· Group Policy processing order with Active Directory

· Altering the processing order with Active Directory

· Software deployment

· Central store design

· Administrative templates

· Security settings

· Firewall management

· Password polices

· User rights assignments

· Preferences

· App locker restrictions

· Folder redirection

· Starter GPO design

· Scripts

· Delegation

· Refresh intervals

· Troubleshooting GPO issues

· Backup/restore/copy/import

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create gpos
  • Troubleshoot gpo processing
  • Design active directory structures to facilitate group policy processing
  • Add third party settings into group policy
  • Control user and computer settings, including account policies, security settings, folder redirection, desktop settings, application settings, and many more

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Update: Windows Server 2019

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Reinforce the processing order of the application of Group Policy.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners in a variety of environments
Teaches learners about how policy can be applied to users and computers
Appropriate for those who need to understand policy processing and capabilities
May be especially useful for Active Directory professionals
May not be suitable for those without experience in Active Directory
Involves some technical concepts which may be challenging for some learners

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Reviews summary

Practical group policy mastery for it pros

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to Group Policy on Windows Server, making complex topics digestible. Learners frequently praise the clear explanations, hands-on labs, and extensive coverage, especially the valuable troubleshooting sections. While some users with prior experience may find the pacing slow for their needs, and there are occasional mentions of video blurriness, the course is widely seen as highly relevant and an excellent resource for IT professionals seeking to master GPO concepts and application.
Core concepts remain highly relevant despite some older material.
"Completely outdated course material. The instructor barely updates anything. Many features shown are old. Don't waste your money."
"Still relevant! Despite some older dates on certain parts, the core concepts of Group Policy haven't changed much, and this course explains them perfectly."
"The only suggestion would be to refresh some older demos, but still very relevant."
Highlights crucial techniques for resolving GPO issues effectively.
"The instructor's explanations were clear and he covered a wide range of scenarios, including troubleshooting common issues."
"The troubleshooting sections are particularly valuable for day-to-day work."
"I learned so much, especially about troubleshooting, which is often overlooked in other courses."
Provides in-depth coverage with real-world applications.
"This course was an absolute lifesaver for me... broke down complex topics into digestible chunks. The hands-on labs were incredibly useful..."
"Excellent course! I've been working with AD for years but never really got a deep understanding of GPO processing. This course clarified so many concepts."
"This course delivers exactly what it promises. From basic GPO creation to advanced topics like AppLocker and Folder Redirection, it's all there."
Occasional blurriness noted, but largely manageable.
"My only minor gripe is that some of the video quality was a bit blurry at times, as mentioned in the course intro, even at 720p."
Pacing is ideal for beginners, potentially slow for experienced users.
"The course is okay, but I found some parts a bit slow-paced. It's great for beginners, but if you have some prior experience, you might find yourself skipping sections."
"The explanations were easy to follow, and the demonstrations were clear. I appreciated the attention to detail..."
"I found the course well-structured, allowing me to grasp concepts without feeling rushed."

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 Mastering Group Policy on Windows Server with these activities:
Find a mentor who can provide guidance on Group Policy management
Having a mentor can provide valuable support and insights throughout your learning journey.
Browse courses on Group Policy Management
Show steps
  • Reach out to IT professionals in your network
  • Attend industry events and conferences
  • Join online communities and forums dedicated to Group Policy management
Review Active Directory concepts
Reviewing Active Directory concepts will help you better understand the context for Group Policy management.
Browse courses on Active Directory
Show steps
  • Read through Microsoft's documentation on Active Directory
  • Watch videos or tutorials on Active Directory
Review Concepts in Active Directory
Reviewing the basics of Active Directory will reinforce your understanding and set you up for the lessons to come.
Browse courses on Active Directory
Show steps
  • Reread the chapters or sections in the course materials that cover Active Directory concepts.
  • Complete a practice quiz or test on Active Directory.
  • Review any notes or summaries you created during previous coursework or self-study of Active Directory.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Understand Group Policy Processing Order
Following tutorials on Group Policy processing order will help solidify your knowledge and ensure a strong foundation as you dive deeper into the course materials.
Browse courses on Group Policy
Show steps
  • Search for and find tutorials or videos that explain Group Policy processing order.
  • Follow the steps or instructions provided in the tutorials to gain a clear understanding of the process.
  • Take notes or create a diagram to visualize the processing order.
Configure Group Policy Settings
Practicing configuring Group Policy settings will allow you to apply your knowledge and develop proficiency.
Browse courses on Group Policy
Show steps
  • Set up a lab environment or use a virtual machine to practice configuring Group Policy settings.
  • Create a Group Policy Object (GPO) and configure various settings, such as security settings, user rights, and software deployment.
  • Apply the GPO to a test group of computers or users and observe the effects.
  • Document your steps and findings in a lab notebook or report.
Practice creating and modifying GPOs
Creating and modifying GPOs requires hands-on practice to master.
Show steps
  • Set up a lab environment with Active Directory and Group Policy
  • Create a GPO and link it to an OU
  • Create a GPO to configure security settings
Discuss Group Policy Troubleshooting Techniques
Participating in discussions on Group Policy troubleshooting techniques will expose you to different perspectives and insights, enhancing your problem-solving skills.
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Show steps
  • Join or create a study group or online forum where you can connect with other students or professionals.
  • Bring up specific troubleshooting scenarios or challenges you have encountered with Group Policy.
  • Listen to and share experiences, solutions, and best practices with others.
  • Summarize the key takeaways and document them for future reference.
Follow tutorials on Group Policy troubleshooting
Group Policy troubleshooting requires specific knowledge and skills that can be gained through guided tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on Group Policy troubleshooting
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to troubleshoot common GPO issues
Attend a workshop on Group Policy management
Workshops provide a structured environment to learn from experts and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on Group Policy Management
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming workshops on Group Policy management
  • Register for a workshop that fits your schedule and interests
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities
Design and Implement a Group Policy Plan
Creating and implementing a Group Policy plan will provide you with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how to apply Group Policy in the real world.
Browse courses on Group Policy
Show steps
  • Identify the business requirements and objectives for your Group Policy plan.
  • Design the Group Policy structure, including GPOs, linking, and inheritance.
  • Configure the necessary Group Policy settings to meet the requirements.
  • Implement the Group Policy plan in a test environment and monitor its effects.
  • Document your plan and findings in a report or presentation.
Create a step-by-step guide to deploying software using Group Policy
Creating a step-by-step guide will help you solidify your understanding of the process and be a valuable reference for others.
Browse courses on Software Deployment
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on software deployment using Group Policy
  • Outline the steps involved in the process
  • Write the guide in a clear and concise manner
Contribute to an open-source project related to Group Policy management
Contributing to open-source projects provides hands-on experience and allows you to give back to the community.
Browse courses on Group Policy Management
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to Group Policy management
  • Review the project documentation and code
  • Identify a way to contribute to the project
Participate in a hackathon or competition focused on Group Policy management
Competitions provide a challenging and motivating environment to test your skills and learn from others.
Browse courses on Group Policy Management
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming hackathons or competitions related to Group Policy management
  • Form a team or participate individually
  • Develop a solution to the competition challenge

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering Group Policy on Windows Server will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Security Analyst
Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. This course can be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as security settings, user rights assignments, and auditing, which are all important skills for Security Analysts.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors are responsible for assessing the security and compliance of IT systems. This course can be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as security settings, auditing, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for IT Auditors.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting organizations from cyber threats. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as security settings, user rights assignments, and auditing, which are all important skills for Information Security Analysts.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for Systems Analysts.
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of IT systems. This course can be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for IT Managers.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course can be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as security settings and firewall management, which are all important skills for Network Administrators.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of computer systems. This course can be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for Systems Administrators.
Software Developer
Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for Software Developers.
IT Specialist
IT Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to users. This course can be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as troubleshooting GPO issues, which is an important skill for IT Specialists.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and management of cloud computing systems. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for Cloud Engineers.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for DevOps Engineers.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends and patterns. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as security settings, user rights assignments, and auditing, which are all important skills for Data Analysts.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating those needs into technical requirements. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for Business Analysts.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for Project Managers.
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to use technology to improve their business. This course may be useful for this role because it provides a deep understanding of Group Policy management, which is essential for managing and securing Windows Server environments. The course also covers topics such as software deployment, security settings, and troubleshooting GPO issues, which are all important skills for IT Consultants.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering Group Policy on Windows Server.
Describes how to modify user or computer settings based on membership in security groups, and how to apply these settings to computers that are running Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows 8.1.
Provides official documentation on Group Policy administration, covering topics such as planning, implementation, management, and troubleshooting.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Group Policy in the enterprise, covering topics such as planning, implementation, management, and troubleshooting.
Offers a collection of best practices for using Group Policy, covering topics such as planning, implementation, management, and troubleshooting.
Provides official documentation on Group Policy reference, covering topics such as planning, implementation, management, and troubleshooting.
Provides official documentation on Group Policy troubleshooting, covering topics such as planning, implementation, management, and troubleshooting.
Provides a beginner-friendly overview of Group Policy, covering topics such as planning, implementation, management, and troubleshooting.

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