Server Core & More

Published 09 May 08 02:50 PM

So, I have gotten a lot of interest when out talking to customers about the Server Core installation option in Windows Server 2008.  After all, lesser patching requirements and a smaller hardware footprint - what's not to like?  Of course, the one caveat to this is that the command-line-only interface takes some getting used to...while remote GUI tools can be used to do day-to-day management tasks, there will be a learning curve within the setup process, specifically.  As such, I thought that it would be useful to have some reference information and tips on getting up and running with Server Core.

First and foremost, ensure that you're aware of the limitations of Server Core, with respect to what Server Roles it is capable of hosting: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/compare-core-installation.aspx .  There have been many questions, internally within Microsoft as well as from our customers, about why Server Core has limited capabilities (i.e. Why can't I install SQL Server on Server Core?)  Because we wanted to create a low footprint server OS option, this meant that we did not want to enable every feature\role - we'd be right back where we started.  There is constant analysis being done on what workloads we want to support on Server Core - for instance, support for the .NET Framework is under evaluation for a future service pack or OS release.  We'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

When you're ready to rock and roll, the best place to start is the Server Core Installation Step-By-Step Guide here: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/47a23a74-e13c-46de-8d30-ad0afb1eaffc1033.mspx?mfr=true

 

For tips and tricks, Andrew Mason, a Program Manager on the Windows Server team, has a blog with lots of great information that he's been writing since the release of Longhorn Server Beta 2, almost two years ago: http://blogs.technet.com/server_core/

 

There actually is a book published on the administering Server Core - albeit not one written by a Microsoft employee: http://www.amazon.com/Administering-Windows-Server-2008-Core/dp/0470238402/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210707534&sr=8-1

 

And lastly, there is a great opportunity for some free training on Server 2008 in Waltham in June - see below for details!


You're Invited...
Microsoft invites you to an exclusive training opportunity:

Windows Server 2008 Hands-on Lab:
   Web | Virtualization | Security | Solid Foundation |

Windows Server 2008, with built-in Web and virtualization technologies, enables you to increase the reliability and flexibility of your server infrastructure. New virtualization tools, Web resources, and security enhancements help you save time, reduce costs, and provide a platform for a dynamic and optimized datacenter. Advanced security and reliability enhancements harden the operating system and protect your server environment to ensure you have a solid foundation on which to build your business.

Join us for this one day hands-on lab and see what Windows Server 2008 can do for your organization.

All labs run on HyperV™ Microsoft’s Next-Gen, Hypervisor-based server virtualization technology

Explore new features of Windows Server 2008:

·         Built for the web: IIS 7.0, .NET 3.0, and Windows System Resource Manager

·         Virtualization built in: Terminal Services Gateway, Remote Programs, HyperV™, Virtual Machine Management

·         The most secure Windows Server ever: Network Access Protection, Read Only Domain Controller, Rights Management Services

·         A Solid foundation for your business workloads: Windows PowerShell, Server Manager, Server Core

What is a hands-on-lab? This isn't your typical IT class. This hands-on lab is for experienced IT Pros who want to "try it out." You'll spend most of the day getting hands-on practice and experience with the new product features and scenarios in your own lab environment with very little instructor presentation.

Who Should Attend: This course is for system administrators and engineers who work with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of a variety of server types and have two to three years of experience managing an enterprise-level Microsoft Windows Server environment.

Prerequisites: To get the most from this course, you will be experienced (two to three years experience) with the technologies included in Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003.

RSVP: This FREE training event will fill quickly, so be sure to register as soon as possible to reserve your seat.


Location –
Microsoft Technology Briefing Center – 890 Winter Street, 
Suite 100,
Waltham, MA 02451
Tel. (781) 522-7900
Directions

Welcome & Registration from 8:30am. Class runs from 9am – 5pm.

·         Wednesday, June 18th 2008 –
Event ID 1032378012  

Click here to register or call 877.673.8368 with Event Code.

Course Modules

  • Web and Application Platform
  • Presentation Virtualization
  • Security and Policy Enforcement
  • Server Manager
  • Hyper-V Virtualization

Additional content may be added.

 

 

by mfiorina

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