Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Review

In a nutshell Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 is more forgiving then W2K3, in particular it requires less work to install and configure the server's role on the network. I hope that you enjoy exploring the new 'Longhorn' features as much as I did.

Windows Server 2008 - Review of Topics

New Vista-like Features

Vista-like features which are incidental to Windows Server 2008, but nevertheless useful.

Microsoft's Improvements for Windows Server 2008

Hyper-V
Windows Server 2008 introduces Hyper-V (V for Virtualization) but only on 64bit versions. More and more companies are seeing this as a way of reducing hardware costs by running several 'virtual' servers on one physical machine. If you like this exciting technology, make sure that you buy an edition of Windows Server 2008 that includes Hyper-V, then launch the Server Manger, add Roles.

64bit
The five years between W2K3 and Windows Server 2008 is a relatively long time in computing. Perhaps the 64bit verses 32bit debate is a good bellwether for the changes. In W2K3 most servers were 32bit with 64bit an option, whereas for Windows Server 2008 almost all servers will be 64bit.

Another trend in the Microsoft Windows family of servers has been improved scalability, the desire to take on jobs previously associated with main-frame computers. For this high-end role, Windows Server 2008 has better support for failover clustering than W2K3.

Windows Server 2008 with Vista
Even though servers have always been more secure, and less flashy, than clients like Vista, Microsoft have made security their number one priority for Windows Server 2008. To gain maximum benefits I have always preached match clients and server, thus XP and W2K3, and now, match Windows Server 2008 with Vista. Perhaps the killer reason for the latter association is DHCPv6 and IPv6. At present Windows Server 2003 does not support DHCP for IPv6.

Because Windows Server 2008 gains in speed, efficiency and security over W2K3, so there will be knock-on improvements for their clients, particularly for Vista. Talking of Vista, features such as NAP (Network Access Protection), BitLocker and UAC are as relevant for Windows Server 2008 as they are for Vista.

Group Policy Preferences
W2K3 Group Policies are great, especially if you want to tattoo settings and enforce a corporate desktop. Windows Server 2008 introduces an additional or parallel idea; you set the initial preference, but allow uses to amend these less critical settings. Take the time to review Group Policy Preferences.

PowerShell
Although Microsoft have created more GUIs than ever, it is perceived to be quicker, to configure Windows Server 2008 from the command line using PowerShell. The vision behind PowerShell is to provide cmdlets (scripts) which automate repetitive tasks, much like UNIX administrators use BASH in their UNIX shells.

Guy Recommends: The Orion Network Performance Monitor (NPM) 9.5

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages. This NPM will guide you through troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is a broken link, faulty equipment or resource overload. Because it produces network-centric views, it is intuitive to navigate, and as result you can see easily what's working and what's not.

Perhaps Orion's best feature is the way it suggests solutions. Moreover, if problems arise out of the blue, then you can configure Orion NPM 9.5 to notify members of your team what's changed and how to fix it.

Review of New Technologies Related to Microsoft's Windows Server 2008

Here are code words which became more recognisable features of Windows Server 2008. Else they were part of a project, which has been abandoned or placed on the back-burner.

(Here is a page is to help those whose typing fingers are slightly dyslexic - Windows Sever 2008)

TrainSignal - Recommended Vista Training Videos

Train Signal has now released their Windows Server 2008 Training Course. As an MCT trainer, I am a huge advocate of Train Signal’s products. What particularly impresses is me is the demonstrations. If you are looking for a complete DETAILED coverage of Windows Server 2008, then I highly recommend that you give this course a try. I have reviewed their 6 hours plus of videos myself, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Topics:

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Microsoft Windows Server 2008 - Review