Chapter 1, Getting Started with Windows Server, provides you with an introduction to Windows Server. At the beginning of this chapter, there is a recap of the most basic concepts of computer networks. So, this chapter is organized into two parts, where each part attempts to provide a concise, yet complete, description of the basic concepts of computer networks. Definitions of key terms such as hosts, nodes, peer-to-peer, and clients/servers are covered in the Computer network overview section.
Chapter 2, Introducing Windows Server 2019, introduces you to Windows Server 2019. Windows Server 2019 is developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and concurrently with Windows 10 version 1809. The Windows Server overview section uncovers the essentials of Windows Server 2019. In addition, it outlines the various Windows Server 2019 editions and compares Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2016 with a focus on what is new in Windows Server 2019.
Chapter 3, Installing Windows Server 2019, provides you with detailed instructions for installing Windows Server 2019. The step-by-step instructions, driven by easy-to-understand graphics, show you how to master the installation of Windows Server 2019. You will quickly learn the installation process without hitting any obstacles. This chapter is an excellent collection of how-to tips and provides information on getting the job done efficiently.
Chapter 4, Post-Installation Tasks in Windows Server 2019, explains the steps that are required during the post-installation stage of Windows Server, including managing devices and device drivers, checking the registry and status of services, and taking care of the initial server configuration. This chapter is divided into three parts: each topic is accompanied by step-by-step instructions driven by targeted, easy-to-understand graphics.
Chapter 5, Directory Services in Windows Server 2019, introduces you to directory services. Now that you have learned how to install Windows Server 2019 and run the initial server configuration, it is time to set up the very first services in your organization's IT infrastructure. With that in mind, this chapter explains directory services. Additionally, you will become familiar with Organizational Units (OUs), default containers, user accounts, and groups so that you can organize the user and computer accounts in your domain.
Chapter 6, Adding Roles to Windows Server 2019, provides a broader explanation of what a role is, as well as the importance of roles in determining the server's function when providing network services. You will also get to know all the roles and features that Windows Server 2019 supports. You will learn how to add roles to your server, as well as the requirements after you have added roles so that you can set up your server whenever it is required.
Chapter 7, Group Policy in Windows Server 2019, helps you to gain an understanding of Group Policy (GP) in Windows Server. You will learn about GP processing, become familiar with the GP Management Console, find out about both computer and user policies, and get to know local policies for when your server is not part of a domain. At the same time, you will learn the steps involved in configuring computer and user policies in a domain-based network.
Chapter 8, Virtualization with Windows Server 2019, teaches you virtualization concepts, as well as getting you familiar with Hyper-V software, which enables the virtualization of Windows-based servers. You will discover the steps it takes to add the Hyper-V role to your server, get familiar with Hyper-V Manager, and learn the steps it takes to create virtual machines. That way, you will be able to understand what virtualization is, and how you can enable the Hyper-V role and create virtual machines.
Chapter 9, Storing Data in Windows Server 2019, explains storage technologies. As well as understanding storage technologies in general, you will learn about a variety of related topics. These include physical interfaces and disk controllers. We will also explore how data is stored in a medium, the types of storage systems used in network environments, and various storage protocols. Additionally, you will get to know the concepts and types of RAID.
Chapter 10, Tuning and Maintaining Windows Server 2019, covers the best practices and considerations for server hardware. By understanding the importance of a server's role in a computer network, and learning about each server component, we can be vigilant when selecting server hardware. In addition to this, this chapter teaches you server performance monitoring methodologies and procedures. Performance monitoring will help you to identify the cause of server performance issues early on.
Chapter 11, Updating and Troubleshooting Windows Server 2019, outlines the server startup process; advanced boot options and Safe Mode; backup and restore; the disaster recovery plan; and how to update the operating system, hardware, and software. Event Viewer is mentioned too, which will help you to monitor different logs in your system, thus helping you to troubleshoot and solve problems. In this way, you will be able to minimize downtime, which, from a business point of view, is expressed in money loss.
Chapter 12, Preparing for the MTA 98-365 Exam, offers an overview of the MTA 98-365 exam, including a look at the skills measured in the exam. Additionally, this chapter contains explanations as to what the MTA 98-365 exam or Windows Server Administration Fundamentals certification is and how to register for the exam. Furthermore, you will find useful resources to help you gather as much information as possible about the exam in general, discover what it takes to pass it, and, by doing so, launch a successful career.
Appendix, Assessments, provides you with answers to the chapter questions. Each chapter is accompanied by a considerable number of questions to help you reinforce the concepts and definitions provided. With this appendix, you can check your answers to those questions.
