Management Improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2

Overview/Description
Windows Server 2008 R2 offers a number of improved as well as new features, especially in the area of management, virtualization, and server availability. This course begins with a focus on new management capabilities provided by Server Manager including the new Server Manager cmdlets and the ability to administer remote servers. PowerShell was introduced in Windows Server 2008 but has been more closely integrated and improved in R2, making this simplified command-line utility a timesaver for key administrative tasks. Also to note are the changes in power consumption management, with a series of technologies that allow datacenters to reduce their processor power needs. Windows Server 2008 R2 also revises its Network Load Balancing, Failover Cluster, and Backup functionality providing more flexibility for individual business needs.

Target Audience
This path is intended for administrators working with Windows Server 2008 who need to update their knowledge of new features and improvements provided by the Windows Server 2008 R2 release. It is also of interest to administrators planning on implementing Windows Server 2008 environments that may include Windows Server 2008 R2.

Prerequisites
Individuals should have a minimum of one year of experience implementing and administering a network operating system, including one or more Windows Server 2008 servers; familiarity with Active Directory Domain Services management and administration of domain controllers; familiarity with implementation and security of network services such as file and print, the Internet, an intranet, remote access, high availability, and client computer management; and familiarity with connectivity requirements such as connecting branch offices and individual users in remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet.

Expected Duration (hours)
2.0

Lesson Objectives

Management Improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2

identify the new server management capabilities in Windows Server 2008 R2

recognize how to perform remote server administration in Windows Server 2008 R2

perform a scan with the Best Practices Analyzer

recognize improvements to power consumption of multi-core processors in Windows Server 2008 R2

identify the improvements in storage power consumption in Windows Server 2008 R2

recognize the capabilities of PowerShell cmdlets

recognize how to manage Active Directory using PowerShell

administer a server using Server Manager

use PowerShell to administer Active Directory, in a given scenario

recognize the improvements of scalability features in Windows Server 2008 R2

use high availability features in Windows Server 2008 R2