In this class, you will learn how to:

• Gain the skills to navigate through the upgrade from an unbiased expert in the field
• Create Group Policies with the XML-based ADMX format
• Install and configure Active Directory Roles
• Identify and deploy all eighteen Server Roles
• Virtualize the Server Environment with Hyper-VTM
• Customize the server to your needs using Server Features
• Create and install images using Windows Deployment Services
• Install stripped down versions of essential components using Server Core
• Minimize replication problems with Read-Only Domain Controllers
• Troubleshoot networking, Group Policy, and Active Directory
• Harden the server and create security policies
• Understand all features and changes made with R2

Five years in the making, Windows Server 2008 presents a myriad of subtle and fundamental differences in its basic architecture compared to its predecessor. This dramatically changes not only the way it is used in the enterprise, but also the logical and physical structure of networks where it is the dominant operating system. The prospect of migrating mission-critical applications to this new environment presents a tremendous risk to any organization. Hands-on skills and proper understanding of the complexities of Windows Server 2008 will provide a phenomenal return on investment for your business.

This powerful three-day hands-on course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to master Windows Server 2008 and get the most benefit by minimizing downtime and maximizing performance, both immediately and in the long term. Gain an in depth knowledge of some of the most radical and beneficial attributes of Windows 2008 Server, and prepare to avoid its pitfalls and work around its flaws.

Microsoft says the abilities to consolidate servers, manage hardware more effectively, remotely manage hardware, and vastly improve security are all good reasons for Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 users to migrate. You may not know how all the new bells and whistles affect your company. How will it affect your hardware? Windows Server 2008 has the ability to drop the GUI and be driven by command line, which enhances security. There is a lot to understand in making your decisions. It's all here in just three days.

Cover what's important:

• Windows Server 2008 Editions – You will select the appropriate edition of Windows Server 2008 given a typical enterprise scenario
• Installation – Examine 3 different installations of Windows Server 2008: Clean Installation, Upgrade from Windows Server 2003, and Core Server Installation
• Utilizing Server Roles – You will work with the Server Manager to access Server Roles. Install the most common Server Roles in standard and Server Core environments
• Server Features - You will examine the most common Server Features in standard and Server Core environments
• Windows Deployment Services – You will create, configure, manage, and install images using Windows Deployment Services
• Networking – You will utilize the new Network and Sharing Center interface to configure the network
• Active Directory Services – You will install and configure the new Active Directory Roles, including Federation, Lightweight Directory, Certificate, Domain, and Rights Management Services
• Group Policy and ADMX – You will create, apply and manage group policies using the new XML-based ADMX format
• Securing Windows Server 2008 – Configure built-in security features and policies as well as third party tools to protect the server
• Terminal Services - You will cover terminal services to deploy and access remote applications
• Virtualization – You will install the Virtualization Server and create and manage virtual machines
• Performance and Reliability – You will utilize built in tools to optimize and monitor performance of the server
• Windows Media Services – You will examine and configure Media Services to stream live or on-demand audio and video content to clients over the Internet or an intranet