MCSE Training Certification Course for Solutions Architect

Learning Objective:
This module introduces the foundational concepts of servers, highlighting their purpose, types, and the differences between workgroup and domain environments. It also explains the transition to domain-based networks and the roles within a server.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Servers and Their Purpose

• Differences Between Client and Server Operating Systems

• Overview of Workgroup vs. Domain Models

• Steps to Set Up a Domain Environment

• Key Differences Between Workgroup and Domain Networks

• Common Server Roles and Their Functions

• Basic Server Installation Process

• Comparing Server Core and Server GUI Modes

Learning Objective:
Learn the step-by-step process of installing Windows Server and configuring essential system settings.

Topics:

• Installing Windows Server (manual & unattended methods)

• Post-installation configurations (hostname, IP, etc.)

• Understanding system properties

• Installing and managing Server Roles and Features

• Introduction to Windows Admin Center and Server Manager

• Updating and patching the server

Learning Objective:
Gain knowledge of Active Directory, its structure, and how to set up and manage a domain.

Topics:

• What is Active Directory?

• Installing AD DS and promoting a server to Domain Controller

• Forests, Domains, and Organizational Units (OUs)

• Adding additional domain controllers

• Basic AD structure: users, computers, and groups

• Introduction to FSMO roles

Learning Objective:
Understand how to manage users, groups, and computer accounts in AD for streamlined network administration.

Topics:

• Creating and managing AD user accounts

• Managing computer objects in AD

• Group types and scopes (Security vs. Distribution)

• Best practices in Group Management (AGDLP model)

• Managing OUs and applying delegation

Learning Objective:
Learn how to use Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to control and configure user and computer settings across a domain.

Topics:

• Introduction to Group Policy

• Creating and linking GPOs

• Managing GPO inheritance and enforcement

• Common user and computer policies (passwords, desktop, network)

• Using Group Policy Modeling and Results tools

• GPO troubleshooting and logging

Learning Objective:
Explore NTFS and share permissions, and how to manage access to files and folders in a secure environment.

Topics:

• NTFS vs. Share permissions

• Configuring shared folders and advanced sharing

• Effective permission calculations

• File ownership and permission inheritance

• Auditing file access

• Storage management: quotas, disk cleanup, and compression

Learning Objective:
Understand the role of DNS and DHCP in network communication and how to configure them on Windows Server.

Topics:

• DNS fundamentals and configuration

• Creating and managing forward/reverse lookup zones

• DHCP installation and configuration

• Creating scopes, reservations, and exclusions

• Configuring DNS and DHCP for redundancy

• IP conflict management and lease renewal

Learning Objective:
Get familiar with Microsoft Hyper-V and how to create and manage virtual machines.

Topics:

• Introduction to virtualization and Hyper-V

• Installing and enabling Hyper-V role

• Creating virtual switches

• Creating and configuring virtual machines (VMs)

• Managing VM settings: CPU, RAM, Disk

• Virtual disk types (VHD, VHDX)

Learning Objective:
Use built-in tools to monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot server performance.

Topics:

• Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Performance Monitor

• Event Viewer for system auditing

• Server health checks and diagnostics

• Troubleshooting common hardware and software issues

• Remote management tools

• Backup and restore basics

Learning Objective:
Learn how to secure your server and keep it updated using built-in Microsoft tools.

Topics:

• Configuring Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

• Understanding and managing user rights and permissions

• Implementing account policies (lockout, password policy)

• Installing and managing Windows Updates

• Using Windows Defender and malware protection tools

• Introduction to BitLocker encryption

Learning Objective:
Understand the importance of backups and how to recover from failures using Windows Server tools.

Topics:

• Installing Windows Server Backup

• Creating backup schedules

• System State Backup and Full Backup

• Restoring files and system states

• Bare-metal recovery

• Planning for disaster recovery

Learning Objective:
Get started with PowerShell to automate and streamline administrative tasks.

Topics:

• PowerShell syntax and command structure

• Running basic cmdlets

• Using PowerShell for user and group management

• Managing services and processes

• Writing simple scripts

• Using pipelines and filters