In this book, I teach you how features work, why they work the way they do, and how to customize them to meet your needs. I also offer specific examples of how certain features can meet your needs, and how you can use other features to troubleshoot and resolve issues you might have. In addition, this book provides tips, best practices, and examples of how to optimize Windows Server 2012 R2. This book won’t just teach you how to configure Windows Server 2012 R2, it will teach you how to squeeze every last bit of power out of it and make the most from the features and options it includes.
Unlike many other books about managing Windows Server 2012 R2, this book doesn’t focus on a specific user level. This isn’t a lightweight beginner book. Regardless of whether you are a beginning administrator or a seasoned professional, many of the concepts in this book will be valuable to you, and you can apply them to your Windows Server 2012 R2 installations.
Who is this book for?
Windows Server 2012 R2 Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, Networking covers all editions of Windows Server 2012 R2. The book is designed for the following readers:
■ Current Windows system administrators
■ Accomplished users who have some administrator responsibilities
■ Administrators upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2 from previous versions
■ Administrators transferring from other platforms
To pack in as much information as possible, I had to assume that you have basic networking skills and a basic understanding of Windows Server. With this in mind,
I don’t devote entire chapters to explaining Windows Server architecture or why you want to use Windows Server. I do, however, cover configuring storage, security, auditing, and much more.
I also assume that you are fairly familiar with Windows commands and procedures in addition to the Windows user interface. If you need help learning Windows basics, you should read other resources (many of which are available from Microsoft Press).
How is this book organized?
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was this book intended to be read in a day, in a week, or even in a month. Ideally, you’ll read this book at your own pace, a little each day as you work your way through all the features Windows Server 2012 R2 has to offer. This book is organized into 11 chapters. The chapters are arranged in a logical order, taking you from planning and deployment tasks to configuration and maintenance tasks.
Ease of reference is an essential part of this hands-on guide. This book has an expanded table of contents and an extensive index for finding answers to problems quickly. Many other quick-reference features have been added to the book as well, including quick step-by-step procedures, lists, tables with fast facts, and extensive cross references.
Conventions used in this book
I’ve used a variety of elements to help keep the text clear and easy to follow. You’ll find code listings in monospace type. When I tell you to actually enter a command, the command appears in bold type. When I introduce and define a new term or use a code term in a paragraph of text, I put it in italics .
NOTE Group Policy includes both policies and preferences. Under the Computer Configuration and User Configuration nodes, you find two nodes: Policies and Preferences. Settings for general policies are listed under the Policies node. Settings for general preferences are listed under the Preferences node. When referencing settings under the Policies node, I sometimes use shortcut references, such as User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components, or specify that the policies are found in the Administrative Templates for User Configuration under Windows Components. Both references tell you that the policy setting being discussed is under User Configuration rather than Computer Configuration and can be found under Administrative Templates\Windows Components.
Other conventions include the following:
■■ Best Practices To examine the best technique to use when working with advanced configuration and maintenance concepts
■ Caution To warn you about potential problems
■ Important To highlight important concepts and issues
■ More Info To provide more information on a subject
■ Note To provide additional details on a particular point that needs emphasis
■ Real World To provide real-world advice when discussing advanced topics
■ Security Alert To point out important security issues
■ Tip To offer helpful hints or additional information
I truly hope you find that Windows Server 2012 R2 Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, Networking provides everything you need to perform the essential administrative tasks on Windows servers as quickly and efficiently as possible. You are welcome to send your thoughts to me at williamstanek@aol.com. Follow me on Twitter at WilliamStanek and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/William.Stanek. Author .
Other resources
No single magic bullet for learning everything you’ll ever need to know about Windows Server 2012 R2 exists. Even though some books are offered as all-in-one guides, there’s just no way one book can do it all. With this in mind, I hope you use this book as it is intended to be used-as a concise and easy-to-use resource. It covers everything you need to perform core administration tasks for Windows servers, but it is by no means exhaustive.
Your current knowledge will largely determine your success with this or any other Windows resource or book. As you encounter new topics, take the time to practice what you’ve learned and read about. Seek out further information as necessary to get the practical hands-on know-how and knowledge you need.
I recommend that you regularly visit the Microsoft website for Windows Server (microsoft.com/windowsserver) and support.microsoft.com to stay current with the latest changes. To help you get the most out of this book, you can visit my corresponding website at williamstanek.com/windows. This site contains information about Windows Server 2012 R2 and updates to the book.
Errata and book support
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