Plan your Windows Server 2008 install in two phases. Think of the first phase
as a simple, plain install of a Microsoft member server. Think of the
second phase as tuning that member server for a specific role, for example,
Domain Controller, Terminal Server or a File and Print server.
Microsoft products have their weaknesses, but installation is not one of
them. If you have installed Vista, then phase one of installing Windows
Server 2008 will be very similar, no text mode, all done via a GUI. All that you need is the
Product Key, genuine of course, and a plan to either leave the default language
as English US, or change the keyboard layout to English UK, French, German or
some other language.
Which of the 5 editions is right for you?
Standard
Enterprise
DataCenter
Web
Itanium
On surprise is that that the Standard, Enterprise, and DataCenter editions
all are included on the same DVD. The version that is installed depends on the
installation key that you use during the installation process. However
there is a separate DVD for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008.
Please note that 64-bit version is an absolute requirement for
Exchange 2007. Also be aware the 64-bit requires digitally signed drivers.
Requirements
Minimum
Recommend Optimal
Processor: 1 Ghz 2 Ghz 3 Ghz
RAM Mem: 512 Gb 2 Gb
Depends on the edition
Disk Space: 8 Gb 40 Gb 80
Gb
Also common sense actions, disable UPS, remove any anti-virus software,
realize once get the GUI, the firewall is active by default.
The secret of installation phase two is to embrace the wizards, welcome the
ICT (Initial Configuration Tasks) console and savour the organizational benefit
of the Server Manager. Once you realise that these tools are to help you
become an efficient, knowledgeable Windows Server 2008 administrator, then the
installation battle of phase two is won. Sit back and imagine that you are
a
general. Now command your troops in the ICT console and the Server Manager to
configure the new 2008 server to your wishes.
First Logon
Note this simple, but vital task at first logon - remember YOUR Administrator's
password. You get the chance to set the Administrator password at first
logon, if you have lots of passwords, you need a secure, but foolproof method of
remembering this crucial password. There is nothing more embarrassing than
spending a morning configuring the server, only return after lunch to find that
the screen kicked in, locked your server and you have forgotten the password.
I only ever made this mistake once!
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You can trace the evolution of the ICT (Initial Configuration Tasks) manager from Windows Server 2000's:
'Manage your server' and Server 2003 RC2's: 'Post-Setup Security Updates'.
The difference is that now we really need to refer to the ICT and abandon our
old habit of ticking, 'Don't display this page at logon' and forgetting about
this useful GUI. Here are 3 important tasks for the ICT manager:
Provide Computer Information
Update This Server
Configure This Server
1. Provide Computer Information
All that's new is the timing of when you add this information about your
server. Previously you typed these settings into dialog boxes during the
initial installation process. This was inefficient because you were
distracted by the newness of the installation, frustrated by the lack of network
connection, or bored by waiting for file copy operations.
With Server 2008 you provide the computer information all at one time, if you
make a mistake it's easy to correct, plus if you ever have to change a setting
you remember which interface you need.
If necessary call for help. Can you use long computer names? No.
Help tells you that the pure computer name is still limited by 15 characters (63
bytes).
Configure Network Settings Note how this is a shortcut to Control Panel --> Network Settings
Provide computer name and domain
Joining a domain employs the same method as all operating systems from NT4 to
XP. However, good news, it worked first time, faultlessly and without any
of the 'work-arounds' commonly needed by older systems.
[Please wait for the user profile service]
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The best feature of this new this new version of SolarWinds VM Monitor is that it
checks Windows Hyper-V. Naturally, it still works with virtual machines on VMware ESX Servers. VM Monitor is a
clever
desktop tool that not only tests that your server is online, but also
displays the CPU and memory utilization for each node.
It's easy to install and to configure this virtual machine monitor, all
you need the host server's IP address or hostname and the logon info. Give
this virtual machine monitor a try - it's free.
Every administrator moans about at least one of these three settings, Guy
says stop complaining and just configure the settings to your liking - including
turning off the service if you don't like it. As for me, I turn them all
on at least to some degree.
Windows Automatic Updating
Windows Error Reporting
Customer Experience Improvement Program
3. Configure this Server
Add Roles Wizard
Select Server Roles such as:
Active Directory Domain Services (Domain Controller)
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