Windows Server Administration and Active Directory Essentials

Server Architecture and NTFS

• End-user access: Server resources.
• File System: NTFS.
• Environment: Workstation (small local) vs. Server (large layouts).

Virtualization and Hyper-V

• Hyper-V Layers: Hardware (bottom), Hyper-V (middle), VMs (top).
• Key Benefits: Scalability, fast recovery, high availability.
• Integration: Services, domain, data exchange, dynamic RAM.
• Memory Management: Efficient physical memory usage; shared memory.
• RAM Settings: Minimum RAM, Maximum RAM, and Memory Buffer.
• Virtual Disks: VHD (2040 GB), VHDX (64 TB), Shared VHDX (for clusters).
• VM Files: VM file stores settings; VHDX stores virtual drive data.
• Operations: Restored VMs must be started; reverted checkpoints can be off.

Active Directory and Domain Services

• Core Functions: Central administration, authentication, single sign-on.
• Domain Controller (DC): Queries DC, authenticates via Kerberos, handles login.
• Database: ntds.dit tracks user accounts and passwords.
• Schema: Defines classes of objects and their attributes.
• Hierarchy: Organizational Unit (OU), Tree, Forest, Domain.
• Roles: Domain Admin, Domain User, Built-in accounts.
• Management Tools: ADUC, PowerShell, Cmdlets, DSADD.

Networking and Security

• DNS: Name space resolution (SRV records) and service location.
• NIC Teaming: Load balancing and fault tolerance.
• RODC: Read-Only Domain Controller for enhanced security.
• Remote Management: WinRM, MSTSC, Server Manager, MMC.
• Storage: Initiator and Target, Snapshots, SAN (Fiber Channel, iSCSI).
• Backup: Offsite drives, network monitoring, single file or system recovery.