Chapter 1. Windows Server 2003 Environment

Objectives

This chapter serves as an introduction to the Windows Server 2003 family and provides a brief overview of some the features that you can expect to see covered on the Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment exam.

Identify the members of the Windows Server 2003 family

• Windows Server 2003 is not a single product that can be used in any situation. Currently, Microsoft produces five separate versions of Windows Server 2003, each with features that are suitable for specific environments.

Install Windows Server 2003

• Before the operating system can be used, it must be installed and configured. It is important to know what hardware is supported and to understand the installation process.

Install and configure the Administrative Tools

• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 includes several utilities to aid system configuration and administration. These tools are accessed via the Administrative Tools folder in the Start Menu. This chapter takes a look at how to install and configure these tools.

Outline

Introduction		30
The Windows Server 2003 Family		30
	Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition	30
	Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition	31
	Windows Server 2003 Web Edition	32
	Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition	32
	Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for 64-Bit Processors	33
	Service Pack 1	33
	Windows Server 2003 R2	33
Installing Windows Server 2003		34
	Hardware Requirements	34
	Hardware Compatibility	35
	The Real World	36
	Getting Started	36
Logging On to Windows Server 2003		40
Servers and Their Roles		42
Windows Server 2003 Administrative Tools		45
	Installing the Administrative Tools	45
	The Microsoft Management Console: Where Management Begins	46
Chapter Summary		50
	Key Terms	50
Apply Your Knowledge		50

Study Strategies

• In studying this section, be sure to practice all the activities described. Become very familiar with the different members of the Windows Server 2003 family, and which features are supported in each one. Also be sure to understand how to work with the Microsoft Management Console (MMC), and the requirements for password complexity.

• You will need access to a Windows Server 2003 member server. Many of the tools are new, or they differ from those available in Windows 2000, so don't try to get by with a Windows 2000 server.

• You don't have to buy Windows Server 2003 to try it out. You can download a free evaluation version (which expires in 180 days) from www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/trial/default.mspx.