MOAC Windows Server 2008 Administrator

Introduction

The primary focus of the server administrator’s job includes the day-to-day operation of an organization’s servers. Before that task begins, however, the administrator might also be responsible for deploying those servers on the network. While it is possible to create Windows Server 2008 servers simply by performing a manual installation on each individual computer, this can be time-consuming and impractical for large-scale deployments. To support deployments of a large number of servers and workstations, Microsoft has created a number of specialized tools. In this lesson, you will study various elements of the Windows Server 2008 deployment process in an enterprise environment.

Including the following:

1. Selecting a Windows Server 2008 edition

2. Performing a hardware inventory

3. Creating and deploying answer files and image files

4. Planning large-scale deployment projects

For most administrators planning a server deployment, the main operating system decision will be between Windows Server 2008 Standard or Windows Server 2008 Enterprise. In some cases, hardware is the deciding factor. If, for example, you plan to use computers with more than four x86 processors or more than 4 GB of memory, either now or in the future, then you will need Windows Server 2008 Enterprise. Hardware will also dictate whether you choose the x86 or x64 version, or Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems.

Features can be the deciding factor in the selection of an operating system edition once you have a fully developed network deployment plan. For example, you are not likely to know if you will need the server clustering or Active Directory Federation Services capabilities of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise until you have server deployment and directory services plans in hand.