Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 from Pluralsight

This course will teach you how to keep Windows Server 2019 running reliably, securely, and smoothly by using WSUS for updates, backup and restore tools for disaster recovery, and performance tools for logging and tracking.

The success of a network depends on how well its servers function over time. In this course, Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019, you’ll learn to keep your servers running reliably, securely, and smoothly. First, you’ll explore ways to streamline the operating system update process and incorporate antimalware updates in a WSUS environment. Next, you’ll discover methods for backing up and restoring servers, both in the general case and for specific server types such as domain controllers. Finally, you’ll learn how to use built-in tools to troubleshoot performance problems in real time, as well as create performance baselines to help ensure that your servers stay quick and efficient years after they are deployed and configured. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of server maintenance and monitoring needed to ensure that your network infrastructure just works, day in and day out.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Setting up Your Lab

Configuring Windows Updates

Backing up and Restoring Servers

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores Windows Server 2019, which is a key component of enterprise IT infrastructures

Teaches essential skills for keeping servers up and running smoothly, which is crucial for network reliability

Provides practical methods for automating updates and incorporating antimalware protection, which enhances security and efficiency

Covers backup and recovery strategies for both general and specific server types, which ensures data protection and business continuity

Utilizes built-in performance monitoring tools, enabling proactive troubleshooting and optimization, which improves server efficiency and reduces downtime

Taught by Glenn Weadock, an experienced instructor in server maintenance and monitoring

Reviews summary

Windows server 2019 maintenance & monitoring

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and practical approach to maintaining and monitoring Windows Server 2019. Students frequently highlight the knowledgeable instructor and the incredibly useful labs and hands-on exercises, which provide actionable insights for real-world scenarios. The curriculum includes deep dives into critical areas such as WSUS for updates, comprehensive coverage of backup and restore tools, and effective strategies for performance monitoring. However, some learners noted the course assumes prior Windows Server knowledge, which might pose a challenge for absolute beginners. There were also occasional comments about inconsistent pacing or suggestions that certain content could benefit from updates, particularly concerning cloud environments, although recent reviews confirm its enduring core value.

Excellent coverage of essential server maintenance tasks.

"I especially appreciated the deep dive into WSUS and performance monitoring. Very thorough."

"The content on backup and restore was particularly strong, offering practical guidance for disaster recovery."

"The WSUS section was very informative. I think the course could benefit from more troubleshooting scenarios, but the fundamentals are definitely there."

"The content on disaster recovery was excellent and very detailed. I liked the focus on practical application."

Instructor delivers complex topics with clarity and expertise.

"The instructor is knowledgeable, and the labs are incredibly useful..."

"The instructor's delivery is clear and concise, making complex topics easy to follow."

"As a seasoned professional, I was impressed by the depth and clarity. The instructor's expertise shines through."

Focuses on real-world application with useful exercises.

"The labs are incredibly useful and well-explained, greatly helping my understanding."

"The hands-on exercises for monitoring servers helped me grasp complex concepts easily."

"Super clear explanations and practical examples. This course is a must for anyone managing Windows Servers."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Some areas might not reflect the latest cloud practices.

"While the topics are relevant, the course felt a bit outdated in some parts, especially concerning newer features or best practices in cloud environments."

"The lab setup was also problematic for me, leading to frustration. It could be improved with updates."

Some topics are rushed, while others feel too basic.

"I found the pace inconsistent. Some sections were too basic, while others jumped quickly to advanced topics without much explanation."

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the initial lab setup, but overall it was a valuable resource."

Better suited for those with some server administration background.

"The course assumes some prior knowledge of Windows Server, which is fair, but beginners might struggle."

"Some of the explanations were too high-level for me, as a relative newcomer to server administration."

"This is a good starting point, but not comprehensive enough for absolute beginners without any prior server experience."

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 Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 with these activities:

Review Windows command line tools basics

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Review the basics of Windows command line tools to ensure you can easily follow along with demonstrations in class.

Browse courses on Command Line Tools

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Gather resources for Windows command line
Review basic commands like 'dir' and 'cd'
Practice navigating file systems and directories

Follow tutorials on using backup and restore tools

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Before you try configuring and troubleshooting these tools on your own, complete these tutorials to familiarize yourself with their functionality.

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Search for and locate backup and restore tutorials
Follow along with guided tutorials

Attend a webinar or online meetup about Windows Server management

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Engage with other professionals to discuss Windows Server management and learn from their experiences.

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Search for upcoming webinars or meetups
Register and attend a relevant event
Participate in discussions and network with others

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Career center

Learners who complete Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems and networks. They may also be responsible for installing and configuring software and hardware, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 is a valuable course for individuals looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Systems Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an organization's computer networks. They may also be responsible for troubleshooting network problems, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 is a useful course for aspiring Network Administrators, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's network is running reliably, securely, and efficiently.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's databases. They may also be responsible for designing and implementing database systems, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 is a useful course for individuals looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Database Administrator.

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Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from security breaches. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures, as well as investigating security incidents. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Security Analyst, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running securely.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT systems and infrastructure. They may also be responsible for developing and managing IT policies and procedures, as well as overseeing the work of IT staff. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to advance their career as an IT Manager, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably, securely, and smoothly.

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Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud computing systems. They may also be responsible for developing and managing cloud applications, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Cloud Engineer.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing data analysis models, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Data Analyst, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They may also be responsible for maintaining and updating software applications, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Software Developer, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. They may also be responsible for creating and managing website content, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Web Developer, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. They may also be responsible for developing and delivering technical training, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Technical Writer, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They may also be responsible for managing project teams, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Project Manager, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and systems. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing business solutions, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Business Analyst, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for testing and evaluating software applications. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance procedures, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Quality Assurance Analyst, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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IT Auditor

An IT Auditor is responsible for auditing an organization's IT systems and controls. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing IT audit procedures, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an IT Auditor, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and securely.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant is responsible for providing IT advice and support to organizations. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing IT solutions, as well as providing technical support to users. Maintaining and Monitoring Windows Server 2019 may be useful to someone looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an IT Consultant, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running reliably and efficiently.

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