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Beginning Windows System Administration

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 636 ratings
see reviews
David Fitzpatrick

This course will teach you all about:

How to use Windows 10 and Server 2016.

How to use Local users and groups.

What are Servers and Clients.

What do we mean with networking (Routers,Switches)

What are Public and Private Ip Addresses.

What are Public DNS zones and Private DNS zones?

What are Active Directory Domains and why do Enterprises use them.

How to use Active Directory users and groups.

How to enable Sharing and NTFS rights.

How to use Group Policy.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will be able to administer local users.
  • You will know what a client and server is.
  • You will know about network apparatus like switches and routers.
  • You will know what a subnet and ip address is.
  • You will learn about dns and install it.
  • You will learn about active directory and install and configure it.
  • You will administer group policy.
  • You will know about sharing and ntfs rights.
  • You will learn about dhcp

Syllabus

Introduction
Before we begin
Module 5 : Lab Solution DNS
You will know about servers and clients, local users and groups and user account control
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential Windows Server 2016 administration tasks, including user management, networking, and Active Directory, which are fundamental for managing Windows-based environments
Explores virtualization with Hyper-V, a core component of Windows Server, enabling learners to create and manage virtual machines for testing and deployment
Teaches about networking concepts, such as IP addressing, subnetting, and DNS, which are crucial for understanding how Windows systems communicate within a network
Explains Active Directory, including user and group management, domain controllers, and group policies, which are essential for managing users and resources in a Windows domain environment
Uses Windows 10 and Server 2016, which are no longer the most current versions, but still relevant for learners who need to maintain or support older systems
Includes hands-on labs and demos for installing and configuring various Windows Server roles and features, which reinforces learning through practical experience

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Reviews summary

Solid introduction to windows system administration

According to learners, this course serves as a solid starting point for absolute beginners interested in Windows system administration. Many reviewers found the explanations to be clear and easy to follow, particularly appreciating the instructor's knack for simplifying potentially complex topics. The hands-on labs and practical demonstrations received frequent praise for their effectiveness in helping students grasp and apply concepts like Active Directory, DNS, and Group Policy. While it provides a strong foundational overview, some students noted the content remains quite basic and may not offer the depth required for production environments or more advanced roles. Overall, it's widely regarded as an excellent introductory resource, best utilized as a stepping stone for further specialized learning.
Practical demos and labs reinforce learning.
"The practical labs are extremely helpful for applying what you learn and getting actual practice."
"Watching the demos and then doing the labs myself made a big difference in understanding the processes."
"I really appreciated the hands-on practice with Active Directory and Group Policy configuration."
"The lab solutions were useful for checking my work and troubleshooting."
Concepts are explained simply for beginners.
"The instructor explains concepts in a very clear way, easy for someone totally new to sysadmin."
"Great course for beginners, everything is broken down step-by-step and easy to understand."
"I had zero prior experience in IT, and I was able to follow along and grasp the basics effectively."
"Found the explanations incredibly clear, especially regarding networking basics and AD."
Some report minor technical issues.
"The audio quality in some lessons could be better, occasionally making it hard to hear."
"Some demos use slightly older interfaces which can be confusing initially if you expect newer versions."
"Encountered a few minor technical hiccups while setting up the lab environment, but manageable."
Not enough for production work.
"Don't expect to be job-ready in system administration after this course alone. It's just the beginning."
"It's a good primer, but lacks the detail needed for troubleshooting complex issues in a live environment."
"Useful for foundational concepts but not detailed enough for implementing in a large production network."
Covers basics well, but lacks advanced depth.
"Provides a good overview of the basics, but isn't sufficient for real-world production sysadmin work."
"It's a great introduction, but you will definitely need to supplement this with other resources for deeper knowledge."
"Covers the 'what' and 'how' for beginners, but not much of the 'why' or complex troubleshooting scenarios."
"Learned the fundamental concepts, but feel I'd need more detailed training for a professional role."

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 Beginning Windows System Administration with these activities:
Review Networking Fundamentals
Reviewing networking fundamentals will provide a solid base for understanding the networking concepts covered in the course, such as IP addressing, DNS, and network infrastructure.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review the OSI model and its layers.
  • Practice subnetting calculations.
  • Familiarize yourself with common networking devices like routers and switches.
Brush Up on Windows 10 Basics
Refreshing your knowledge of Windows 10 basics will help you navigate the operating system more efficiently during the course and understand the context of system administration tasks.
Browse courses on Windows Operating System
Show steps
  • Explore the Windows 10 settings app.
  • Practice using the file explorer for file management.
  • Review the control panel and its functions.
Practice User and Group Management
Practicing user and group management in a virtual environment will reinforce your understanding of local user and group administration, a key topic in the course.
Show steps
  • Create and modify local user accounts.
  • Assign users to different groups.
  • Experiment with user permissions and access rights.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Active Directory Installation Tutorials
Following tutorials on Active Directory installation will provide hands-on experience and supplement the course's lessons on Active Directory setup and configuration.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable online tutorial on Active Directory installation.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step in a virtual environment.
  • Troubleshoot any issues encountered during the installation process.
Read 'Windows Server 2016 Administration Fundamentals'
Reading a book on Windows Server 2016 administration will provide a deeper understanding of the server environment and complement the course's lessons on Windows system administration.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Windows Server 2016 Administration Fundamentals'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and configuration steps.
Set Up a Home Lab Environment
Setting up a home lab environment with virtual machines will allow you to practice system administration tasks in a safe and controlled environment, reinforcing your learning from the course.
Show steps
  • Install a hypervisor like Hyper-V or VirtualBox.
  • Create virtual machines for Windows Server and client operating systems.
  • Configure networking between the virtual machines.
  • Document your setup for future reference.
Document Your Home Lab Setup
Creating documentation for your home lab setup will solidify your understanding of the configuration process and provide a valuable reference for future troubleshooting and experimentation.
Show steps
  • Record the hardware and software components of your lab.
  • Diagram the network topology of your virtual machines.
  • Document the configuration steps for each virtual machine.
  • Include screenshots and explanations for clarity.

Career center

Learners who complete Beginning Windows System Administration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
System Administrator
A System Administrator manages and maintains the computer systems of an organization. This role makes use of understanding of how to use Windows 10 and Server 2016, along with knowledge of Active Directory, local users, and group policies. This course helps build the needed skills to efficiently manage users, groups, and networks within a Windows environment. It provides the foundation to configure and troubleshoot common issues a System Administrator would encounter daily. The course's specific modules on Active Directory, sharing and NTFS rights, and Group Policy are directly applicable to this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a company's computer network. This career role requires knowledge of networking concepts such as routers, switches, public and private IP addresses, and DNS zones. This course allows one to begin to gain theoretical and practical understanding of how networks are configured and managed in a Windows environment. The modules covering networking, IP addresses, DNS, and DHCP are particularly relevant for aspiring Network Administrators.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer designs, implements and maintains IT systems and infrastructure, often working with various platforms and technologies. This course helps build a foundation for a Systems Engineer, particularly within a Windows environment. The practical skills gained in managing Active Directory, group policies, and networking are relevant to this role. The course provides experience managing virtual machines, which is often used in system engineering and this will help a Systems Engineer in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer
Desktop Support Analyst
A Desktop Support Analyst provides technical support for an organization's desktop computers and end-user devices. This role requires understanding of Windows operating systems, user management, and network fundamentals that are introduced in this coursework. This course will help one gain the necessary knowledge to troubleshoot issues related to local users, sharing, and group policies. The training provided in this course may benefit those seeking to be a Desktop Support Analyst to manage and resolve common issues.
See salaries and explore the career path for Desktop Support Analyst
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages an organization's network infrastructure. This role requires a deep understanding of networking protocols, IP addressing, and DNS. This course introduces public and private IP addresses, and the setup of DNS, while also familiarizing one with switches and routers. This may set one up to work as a Network Engineer and to use such knowledge in the workplace. The knowledge of routers, subnets, and DNS provided will prove beneficial to a Network Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to end users, troubleshooting issues with hardware, software, and networks. This position benefits greatly from a solid base in Windows system administration, including understanding client server relationships and familiarity local and domain user management, which this course provides. The training on how to configure and manage a Windows environment, including Active Directory and group policies, allows a stronger ability to resolve issues and create better support. This course will help those who need to be effective in an IT support role.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist
Help Desk Technician
A Help Desk Technician provides first-line technical support to users in an organization. As a Help Desk Technician, one will benefit from understanding fundamental concepts like local users, networking, and Active Directory, which this course introduces. The knowledge gained from this course will help a Help Desk Technician to troubleshoot basic IT issues, especially related to Windows systems. The course's coverage of Active Directory user management and sharing also will help with everyday support tasks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Help Desk Technician
Junior System Engineer
A Junior System Engineer assists in the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems. This role requires a foundational understanding of server and client structures, networking, and directory services. This course offers training in these areas, making it a solid start for someone pursuing a career as a Junior System Engineer. The focus on Active Directory, group policies, and virtualization allows for hands-on experience in technologies relevant for a systems engineering position. The practical knowledge gained is useful for a Junior System Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Junior System Engineer
Cloud Support Engineer
A Cloud Support Engineer provides technical support for cloud-based systems and services. This position often needs to understand Windows server environments, as many cloud services are built on or integrate with them. This course may be useful for a Cloud Support Engineer, as it builds a foundation in Windows system administration, including Active Directory and group policies. While the course is not focused on cloud technologies directly, it provides knowledge of core concepts that are often used in cloud environments, which may help support the work of a Cloud Support Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Support Engineer
Technical Trainer
A Technical Trainer delivers instruction on software and hardware to both internal employees and external clients. This role may benefit from the knowledge that this course offers, especially if the courses one teaches involve Windows and networking. This course provides a foundational understanding of Windows system administration, which enables a Technical Trainer to teach these topics effectively. The various modules in the course, from local users to Active Directory, may be useful for the preparation materials used for a Technical Trainer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Trainer
IT Analyst
An IT Analyst assesses and improves information technology systems. The career role requires an understanding of system architecture and administration, and how they influence business processes. Knowledge learned from this course, like the structure of Active Directory and group policies may be useful to an IT Analyst when assessing an organization’s IT infrastructure. The course introduces core concepts in Windows system administration which may be useful for IT Analysts when working on projects involving Windows based systems and networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and protects computer systems and networks from potential threats and vulnerabilities. A Cybersecurity Analyst may benefit from the foundational knowledge of Windows System Administration this course offers. This course includes how to manage users, groups, and network resources, which is useful when securing systems. While this course doesn't cover cybersecurity topics directly, it may help enable a better understanding of core concepts used by a Cybersecurity Analyst, as so many systems are built on Windows.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Technology Manager
An Information Technology Manager oversees an organization's technology infrastructure and IT team. While this role is typically more focused on management and strategy, a basic understanding of system administration is very important. This course provides foundational knowledge of Windows server management, networking, and security practices, which may be useful for an IT Manager. The course's details on Active Directory and group policies may be beneficial to an Information Technology Manager when making decisions about system infrastructure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager
Technical Project Manager
A Technical Project Manager leads and coordinates IT projects. Though this role is focused on project management, a foundational understanding of Windows server management and networking may be beneficial. This course introduces these concepts, and a Technical Project Manager may use this understanding of Active Directory and group policies when working on IT projects that involve a Windows infrastructure. This course may be useful when involved in projects that relate to a Windows environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Project Manager
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains database systems. While this role is focused on data management, this course may be useful as many databases run on Windows servers. This course discusses networks, Active Directory, and group policies, which may help a Database Administrator when operating in a Windows environment. It provides a basic understanding of the underlying systems that host databases, which may help the work of a Database Administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Reading list

We've selected one 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 Beginning Windows System Administration.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Windows Server 2016 administration, covering topics such as Active Directory, Group Policy, and networking. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the concepts taught in the course and applying them in real-world scenarios. The book offers practical examples and step-by-step instructions for common administrative tasks. It useful resource for both beginners and experienced system administrators.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
6.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
David Fitzpatrick
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential Windows Server 2016 administration tasks, including user management, networking, and Active Directory, which are fundamental for managing Windows-based environments
Explores virtualization with Hyper-V, a core component of Windows Server, enabling learners to create and manage virtual machines for testing and deployment
Teaches about networking concepts, such as IP addressing, subnetting, and DNS, which are crucial for understanding how Windows systems communicate within a network
Explains Active Directory, including user and group management, domain controllers, and group policies, which are essential for managing users and resources in a Windows domain environment
Uses Windows 10 and Server 2016, which are no longer the most current versions, but still relevant for learners who need to maintain or support older systems
Includes hands-on labs and demos for installing and configuring various Windows Server roles and features, which reinforces learning through practical experience
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