CONFIGURATION WINDOWS SERVER

The role of a Windows Server administrator (or in the broader context, a Windows Server professional) involves managing and configuring Windows Server environments. Here’s a breakdown of key tasks related to this field:

1. Server Installation and Configuration

• Initial Setup: Install and configure Windows Server OS (e.g., Windows Server 2019 or 2022) on physical or virtual machines.
• Role & Features: Installing roles like Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS), DNS, DHCP, File and Storage Services, etc.
• Server Core vs. GUI: Deciding between a minimal Server Core installation or a full graphical user interface (GUI) installation based on requirements.

2. Active Directory Management

• Domain Controllers: Setting up and maintaining domain controllers to manage authentication and directory services.
• Users, Groups, and OUs: Creating and managing users, groups, and Organizational Units (OUs) for logical structure.
• Group Policies: Designing and applying Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to control user environments and security settings.

3. Networking Services

• DNS & DHCP: Configure DNS to resolve domain names to IP addresses and manage DHCP for IP allocation.
• Network Access Protection (NAP): Set up policies for network health checks and security compliance.
• VPN & DirectAccess: Establish secure remote access for users through VPN or DirectAccess.

4. File and Storage Management

• File Server: Configure file sharing, permissions (NTFS and Share permissions), and Distributed File System (DFS).
• Storage Spaces: Use Storage Spaces for disk management, fault tolerance, and high availability.
• Backup and Recovery: Set up Windows Server Backup, Volume Shadow Copy, and Disaster Recovery procedures.

5. Security and Patch Management

• Firewalls and Security Policies: Configure Windows Firewall, audit policies, and security baselines.
• WSUS: Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage updates and patches across multiple servers.
• Endpoint Protection: Deploy Windows Defender or third-party solutions for malware protection.

6. Virtualization with Hyper-V

• Virtual Machines (VMs): Install and manage VMs using Hyper-V, configure networking, and storage for VMs.
• Containers: Implement Windows Containers for lightweight application isolation.
• Clustered Virtualization: Set up failover clustering for high availability of virtualized workloads.

7. High Availability and Disaster Recovery

• Failover Clustering: Configuring clusters to ensure high availability for critical applications and services.
• Load Balancing: Implementing network load balancing (NLB) for distributing workloads.
• Backup Solutions: Regular backups and planning for disaster recovery using tools like System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM).

8. Monitoring and Performance Tuning

• Performance Monitoring: Use tools like Performance Monitor, Task Manager, and Resource Monitor to track CPU, RAM, and disk usage.
• Event Logs: Monitoring Event Viewer for server health and security issues.
• System Center Operations Manager (SCOM): Enterprise-level monitoring and alerting for complex environments.

9. Automation with PowerShell

• Scripting: Automate routine tasks using PowerShell scripts, such as creating users, managing services, or configuring server settings.
• Remote Management: Use PowerShell remoting for server management without logging in locally.

10. Cloud Integration (Hybrid Infrastructure)

• Azure Active Directory: Integrate on-premises AD with Azure AD for hybrid identity management.
• Azure Backup and Site Recovery: Configure cloud-based backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Windows Admin Center: Manage servers on-premises and in the cloud from a single console.

These tasks define the job of a Windows Server professional, covering both foundational and advanced aspects of the role.