Chapter 4. Managing a Server Environment

Terms you'll need to understand:

• Software Update Service (SUS)

• Automatic Updates

• WUAU.ADM

• Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

• Web server extensions

• Application pooling

• Metabase

• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

Techniques you'll need to master:

• Configuring Automatic Updates

• Knowing how to manage, back up, restore, and test SUS

• Connecting to a remote server using MMC and the Remote Desktop Connection utility

• Configuring options in the Remote Desktop Connection utility

• Installing, configuring, and managing IIS 6.0

• Installing and managing ASP.NET

• Implementing Web applications and application pooling

System administrators are increasingly overburdened with a wide variety of management tasks . In this chapter, you'll learn about several new and enhanced management tools designed to save time and simplify and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).

Managing a Windows Server 2003 environment includes using Microsoft's Software Update Service (SUS) to automate the retrieval of security patches and operating system fixes from a server on your corporate intranet. Administrators can test the patches and then schedule the security updates to install on targeted computers automatically.

Mobile users need secure access to information stored on their private networks. Remote Access Server uses the latest remote access technologies, including integrated dial-up and virtual private networking (VPN), to manage remote client access to corporate networks using secure practices.

Terminal Server Services is another improved remote service that can deliver Windows-based applications to client desktops. Similar to earlier versions of Terminal Server, it operates in either application or remote administration mode. Operating in remote desktop for administration mode, Terminal Services uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), allowing administrators to take control of the user 's desktop console session.

Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is now locked down by default and has improved authentication, easier management, and increased reliability. IIS Web services enables companies to deploy Web sites and provide a secure platform for applications built using Microsoft's ASP.NET framework.