Windows Server 2008 R2 is much more than just an update to Windows Server 2008: in many ways it's a brand new enterprise..
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operating system. Overflowing with new features like BranchCache and DirectAccess and improved functionality for Active Directory and Terminal Services, Microsoft's latest OS has plenty to offer.
But how do you decide if Windows Server 2008 R2 is worth the upgrade -- and where do you start?
This learning guide breaks down the key components of Windows Server 2008 R2. From new features to advice on installations, you'll find articles, tips and videos on all things R2. Scroll down below to learn about key file management improvements, live migration for Hyper-V, new security tools and much more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting started with Windows Server 2008 R2 - New features and improvements in Windows 2008 R2 - The Windows 7 connection - Virtualization with Windows 2008 R2 - Changes to Active Directory in Windows 2008 R2 - Security in Windows 2008 R2
GETTING STARTED WITH WINDOWS SERVER 2008 R2
There's been a lot of buzz about Windows Server 2008 R2, and it can be hard to narrow down what's truly important. This section breaks down the basics of the operating system and provides the essential information you need to know before upgrading.
What exactly is Windows Server 2008 R2?
Confused about what this 'R2' business is really all about? Not to worry. You'll find answers to some of the most common questions surrounding Microsoft's latest OS in this FAQ.
Windows Server 2008 R2: Not your father's R2 upgrade
Unlike with Windows Server 2003 R2, this new OS includes some core kernel changes and improvements to common management tools that collectively make it a much different release.
→ Podcast: What to expect from Windows Server 2008 R2
We spoke with Microsoft's David Lowe when R2 was still in development to find out what's changed in the areas of Active Directory and failover clustering. Click play to hear the affect user feedback had on certain Windows Server 2008 R2 improvements.
Capacity planning considerations
Since Windows Server 2008 R2 is the first Microsoft server OS that is available only as 64-bit, it may require new hardware, so organizations should be prepared before migrating.
Windows Server 2003 continues to rule server kingdom
Windows Server 2008 R2 is gaining momentum but eight years after its introduction many IT shops still depend on Windows Server 2003 to run their mission-critical applications.
NEW FEATURES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN R2
Plenty to look forward to in R2
You might have heard about upgrades to Active Directory, Terminal Services and Hyper-V getting a lot of attention with Windows Server 2008 R2. Here you'll find out what else IT managers are excited about.
What you don't know about R2
Often times it's the little things that count. Here is a rundown of the smaller changes to R2 that may have fallen under the radar initially, but could have a major impact on your migration plans.
Windows Server 2008 R2: A greener OS
Improving the efficiency of your server's power usage is good for the environment -- and the bottom line. Learn how migrating to R2 can reduce power consumption on your machines.
Key DFS improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft has addressed certain scalability problems in DFS that have remained constant through the years, including issues with file replication.
→ More on file management: File Classification Infrastructure
Small changes go a long way with IIS 7.5
Minor improvements could make a big difference with the latest version of Internet Information Services. Find out what's new for IIS 7.5 with Windows Server 2008 R2.
THE WINDOWS 7 CONNECTION
Windows Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft's latest desktop operating system, Windows 7, are very much intertwined, and several of the best features in each are only available if an enterprise runs both together. In this section, find out how the two OSes rely on and influence each other.
What Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 can do for your business
Check out the features that require both platforms to function, and learn what they can offer your environment.
→ More: Why some enterprises aren't rushing upgrades
More about the features: Windows 10 pdf reader.
VIRTUALIZATION WITH WINDOWS 2008 R2
Microsoft took some major steps forward in the virtualization market with Windows Server 2008 R2. This section explores the changes to its hypervisors technology, Hyper-V R2, as well as Terminal Services, now renamed Remote Desktop Services.
Hyper-V's new features in Windows Server 2008 R2
Live Migration may be the most talked about Hyper-V R2 feature, but it's far from the only change. See what else had been added with Windows Server 2008 R2.
→ More Hyper-V R2 features:Less hyped – but still powerful
Storage handling with Hyper-V R2
Storage improvements in Hyper-V R2, including Cluster Shared Volumes (CSVs) and the addition of dynamic storage, may increase the hypervisor's popularity.
Learning Guide: Hyper-V R2
Of course, there's plenty more to discuss involving Hyper-V for Windows Server 2008 R2. This guide has all the details.
Terminal Services grows up in R2
Terminal Services in Windows 2008 R2 comes with a brand new name and enhanced functionality such as Remote Desktop Virtualization and fair share CPU scheduling.
R2 AND ACTIVE DIRECTORY
Many IT pros were more excited about the Active Directory (AD) enhancements than any other improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2. This section explores the key changes made to AD this time around.
Active Directory in R2: Features to care about, others to ignore
From the ADAC to managed service accounts, Active Directory in Windows 2008 R2 has several new capabilities. But which ones are worth checking out?
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Active Directory tops the list of hot R2 features
Are R2's AD enhancements even better than Hyper-V with live migration? Some IT pros think so. Find out which Active Directory features are causing a stir.
→ More on the Recycle Bin:Will it live up to the hype?
Group Policy makes strides in Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on many of the Group Policy improvements that were found in Microsoft's previous server OS. Get the details on PowerShell cmdlets and other new features.
Active Directory in Windows Server 2008
Active Directory also saw a lot of moving parts with Windows Server 2008 R1. Check out the major improvements made to AD in the original release.
SECURITY AND WINDOWS 2008 R2
Every Windows release is described as 'the most secure OS yet.' Find out how Windows Server 2008 R2 measure up to normal security standards and learn about new security tools in this section.
Windows Server 2008 R2 security checks
The results are in. See if initial tests find Windows Server 2008 R2 safer out-of-the-box than its predecessors.
Key security features:
Other security features
Check out the other security updates that were originally included with Windows Server 2008 R1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting started with Windows Server 2008 R2 - New features and improvements in Windows 2008 R2 - The Windows 7 connection - Virtualization with Windows 2008 R2 - Changes to Active Directory in Windows 2008 R2 - Security in Windows 2008 R2
We are beginning to close in on the one-year mark since the release of Windows Server 2008, and more and more companies..
in 2009 are starting to plan migrations to Microsoft's latest server operating system. Although much has been said about Windows Server 2008's roles and features over the past year, those who have yet to start working with the OS might still be curious about what it has to offer.
But where to start? Don't worry -- SearchWindowsServer.com has done all the legwork for you, compiling a wealth of information on Windows 2008 since before it was released. This Windows 2008 guide features tips, videos and more covering the top features and improvements included with the OS, as well as info to help you plan your migration.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting started with Windows Server 2008 - Planning your Windows 2008 migration - Key Windows 2008 features and improvements - Changes to Active Directory - Virtualization with Hyper-V - Windows Server 2008 security considerations - Storage improvements with Windows 2008 - Inside Windows Server 2008 R2
GETTING STARTED WITH WINDOWS SERVER 2008
Windows Server 2008 includes a lot of new features; but not all of them may be right for your organization. This section offers a crash course on the key benefits of Windows 2008, along with some of the issues administrators could run into after it's deployed.
Making the business decision to move to Windows Server 2008
Before your Windows Server 2008 migration, you should take the time understand all the features that can save your company time and money. This two-part article breaks down the business values of several Windows 2008 benefits, such as Microsoft's product support lifecycle, and features including Server Core and the read-only domain controller.
What's there to hate about Windows Server 2008?
While Microsoft's latest OS is certainly an upgrade over Windows Server 2003 R2, it's not without it's flaws. Before you upgrade, learn some problems Windows admins might have with the new server and how to fix them.
Video: Author Mark Minasi dissects Windows Server 2008
While doing your own research on Windows Server 2008 is important, it also helps to hear what the experts think. In this exclusive interview, best-selling author Mark Minasi parses the best and worst of Microsoft's latest server OS and offers advice on Windows PowerShell, Group Policy and 64-bit computing.
Windows Server 2008 R2
In October 2009, Microsoft updated the OS with the launch of Windows Server 2008 R2, which includes a slew of new features and functionality. Learn more about getting started with R2.
PLANNING YOUR WINDOWS 2008 MIGRATION
So you've decided to move forward with Windows Server 2008 -- now the real work begins. This section goes through all the considerations that should be made during the planning process, including how to create a virtual Windows 2008 environment to help you become familiar with the OS before deployment.
Timing your migration to Windows Server 2008
Migrating to a new version of Windows comes with inherent risks. There are always undiscovered bugs in any software product. Over time, those bugs are flushed out and fixed. The later you migrate, the safer you are, but then you don't get the benefits of the new features either. Before planning your move to Windows Server 2008, first figure out which features in the new OS will save your organization money.
How a cost management analysis affects Windows Server 2008 migration
Calculating the financial gains and losses of a migration strategy can help you create a more cost-effective plan of action. Learn how to apply the principles of cost management analysis to your Windows Server 2008 planning strategy, and decide if the return of investment makes sense for you.
What to include in a Windows Server 2008 migration strategy
Once you're ready to move to the new network, you'll first have to put together a migration strategy. This book excerpt outlines the four major activities for migrating to Windows Server 2008: security principals, members servers, PCs and custom applications.
Building a Windows Server 2008 virtual test lab
When it comes to preparing for Windows Server 2008, there's nothing like hands-on experience, and the best way to get familiar with a new OS in to start using it in a practice setting. This tip explains the quirks of creating a test environment for Windows Server 2008 before your migration.
→ Configuring a virtual test lab on a budget
Not familiar with using virtualization as a testing/training tool? Learn the hardware and networking benefits of creating a virtual test environment, and how it can be a cost-effective way to ensure a successful Windows Server 2008 migration.
KEY WINDOWS 2008 FEATURES/IMPROVEMENTS
Windows Server 2008 features a number of management enhancements, including new additions like Server Manager and Server Core. This section reviews some of the most important new features for administrators, with details on how to get the most out of them.
Server Core
Server Core is a bare-bones installation option for computers running Windows Server 2008. While the installation results in less functionality, it also creates an environment that is easier to manage and maintain. In this article, learn how tools that Windows administrators can use to list and install Roles and Role Services make Server Core a popular Windows Server 2008 feature.
Server Manager
Integrating a central wizard-driven interface, Server Manager is a new feature in Windows Server 2008 that is designed to help IT departments tailor their servers just the way they want them. Here you can take a closer look at the role Server Manager plays in the OS.
→ A quick guide to Server Manager
Check out this crash course on everything Windows Server Manager has to offer, with a list of common administrative tasks and where to find them in Windows Server 2008.
Screenshot of the Server Manager console (Click to enlarge)
Group Policy
While working with Group Policy is nothing new for Windows admins, Windows Server 2008 provides faster searching and filtering than what was available in Windows 2003. Learn about the new wizard in Windows Server 2008's Group Policy Management Console, and how it enables searching and filtering on comments within settings with the Group Policy Object Editor.
Terminal Services
Changes to Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 have resulted in improved support for knowledge workers needing support for multiple desktops, telecommuters and people working from remote offices. This article breaks down how and when these changes come into play.
→ TS Web Access simplifies application process
With Terminal Services Web Access in Windows 2008, the process of adding and removing applications can be as easy as clicking a checkbox. This tip breaks down the process for you.
→ RemoteApps give Terminal Services a boost
Learn how RemoteApps in Windows Server 2008 gives Terminal Services administrators the ability to create a published desktop -- without the desktop.
Windows PowerShell
PowerShell is Microsoft's interactive command shell and scripting language, and it comes 'in the box' with Windows Server 2008. This learning center provides the basics to get you started with PowerShell scripting in Windows 2008, with details on what it is, how it works, and screencasts demonstrating basic commands.
More new features in Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 comes equipped with several much-talked about features like Live Migration for Hyper-V and updates to Active Directory. But there are also quite a few notable features that have managed to fly under the radar. Learn more about the enhancements that make up R2.
CHANGES TO ACTIVE DIRECTORY
So much has been added to Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 that it easily deserves its own category. This section reviews some of the most important new Active Directory features for admins, such as the read-only domain controller and AD roles that are available with Server Core.
A first look inside the new features for Active Directory
This article provides an overview of some of the biggest changes made to Active Directory with the release of Windows Server 2008, with info on server roles such as Active Directory Domain Services and DNS.
Getting to know the read-only domain controller for Windows Server 2008
Perhaps the biggest addition to Active Directory for Windows 2008 involves the read-only domain controller (RODC). This article explains what 'read-only' means, and how the new feature can improve AD flexibility.
→ Video: Security benefits of the RODC
In this interview from Microsoft TechEd 2008, senior technical product manager Justin Graham explains how the RODC can help improve branch office security, while providing details on the app compaitibility considerations that admins should be aware of before deploying one.
Video: What else is new with Active Directory?
In addition to all the big and fancy features included with AD for Windows Server 2008, there are also a variety of 'lesser-known' changes that have been made. This video provides details on some of these improvements, such as stickiness prevention and fine-grained password policies.
Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 R2
Although Windows 2008 R1 included several improvements for Active Directory, key changes were made with R2, including a Recycle Bin feature and tweaks to Group Policy. Find more on key AD features in Windows Server 2008 R2.
VIRTUALIZATION WITH HYPER-V
Hyper-V for Windows Server 2008 is a major landmark for Microsoft in terms of the company's standing in the server virtualization market. It's so big, in fact, that we gave it it's own page. Check out the link below to find answers to some of your burning Hyper-V questions.
Microsoft Hyper-V management for Windows 2008
This guide provides tips, book excerpts and video presentations to help give Windows administrators a better understanding of Microsoft's virtualization technology.
Diagram of Hyper-V's new hardware-sharing architecture (Click to enlarge)
Microsoft Hyper-V R2
The initial version of Hyper-V prompted Microsoft to update its virtualization platform with the release of Hyper-V R2 in October 2010 -- so what does Hyper-V R2 have to offer?
WINDOWS SERVER 2008 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
Many strides were taken to make Windows Server 2008 a more secure operating system than its predecessors. This section takes a look at some of these enhancements, and provides advice on how admins can further harden there servers in certain areas.
Network Access Protection: Should you care?
While NAP might not be as flashy as some of Windows Server 2008's other new features, admins shouldn't overlook the security benefits it has to offer. This article breaks down how NAP works in the operating system.
→ Simple NAP implementation
The installation process for Network Access Protection with Windows 2008 is easier than you think. Learn the basics of implementing NAP in your environment.
Security concerns with Server Core
Some of the lost functionality that goes with Server Core installations can make the OS a bit more difficult to properly secure. Follow these steps to ensure peak security when running Server Core, with advice on anti-malware, patching and command-line tools.
Windows PowerShell: A backdoor to malware?
One of the key benefits of Windows Server 2008 is that is comes with Windows PowerShell built in. However, if configured incorrectly this boon can quickly become a security liability. This tip explains how to avoid turning PowerShell into an entry point for malware.
Security in Windows Server 2008 R2
Security is often a top concern for admins moving to a new or updated operating system. Find out how Windows Server 2008 R2 beefs up protection. Gcf Free Learning Windows Server 2008 R2
STORAGE IMPROVEMENTS WITH WINDOWS 2008
Many features were added to Windows Server 2008 in the area of storage management. Here you'll learn about some of these changes, including how SAN management has improved and exactly what happened to the NTBackup tool.
Windows Server Backup: The new NTBackup tool
Microsoft completely revamped its NTBackup program for Windows Server 2008. Dubbed Windows Server Backup, the feature is completely different from earlier versions, and includes new additons such as backup support for DVDs and the use of Volume Copy Snapshot Services (VSS) to perform disk-to-disk backups, to name a few.
→ Windows Server 2008 backup tool improves disaster recovery
Business continuity also gets a boost from the Windows Server Backup tool. This article explains exactly how disaster recovery has been made simpler with Windows Server 2008.
Getting the most out of the new self-healing NTFS
While it's not perfect, the new self-healing NTFS in Windows Server 2008 has several benefits over past Windows file systems. Here you'll learn more about how to avoid data corruption with this new feature.
A first look at Storage Explorer
Microsoft designed the Storage Explorer utility in Windows Server 2008 to help deal with a common issue for companies that need to keep better track of SAN resources. While Storage Explorer doesn't actually document your SAN, it will allow you to browse it and see exactly how SAN resources are connected to your network. This article explains how it works.
DFSR in Windows Server 2008
With the release of Windows Server 2008, administrators can use Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) for SYSVOL replication, meaning they no longer have to deal with the poorly implemented File Replication Service (FRS). The catch? A tricky migration process when upgrading from Windows Server 2003 to 2008.
Keep an eye on network disk space
It's quite common to find unauthorized file types stored on network servers, which can not only cause problems with your network, but also leave your company vulnerable to certain legal liabilities. You can use the Server Manager in Windows 2008 to easily prohibit users from saving unauthorized file on your network.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting started with Windows Server 2008 - Planning your Windows 2008 migration - Key Windows 2008 features and improvements - Changes to Active Directory - Virtualization with Hyper-V - Windows Server 2008 security considerations - Storage improvements with Windows 2008 - Inside Windows Server 2008 R2 Comments are closed.
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