PowerShell 2.0: Server 2008 R2 Top New Management Feature
2 Comments »
PowerShell Scripting on Windows Server 2008 R2
PowerShell 1.0 gave systems administrators around the world a new administration tool when it was introduced with Windows Server 2003.
For years, Microsoft has worked to develop a graphical user interface, or GUI, that would make system administration and user administration easier and more user friendly.
In many ways, the company succeeded admirably.
Most admins know at least one or two people who have managed to create a user in a very small Windows Server environment through User Manager and think that they should become a Windows Administrator because they already understand “how to do it.”
However, for administrators in environments where users exceed the number of people it takes to field a couple softball teams, things are more complicated. In fact, one of the difficulties of properly administering a networked operating system and its servers is keeping all the “little things” consistent across the enterprise. Forgetting a check-box here, and a radio button there, can add up to a security nightmare waiting to happen, or perhaps, a very angry Vice President unable to remotely connect at a critical time.
The solution to some of these problems has been scripting. By writing scripts, Windows system engineers could ensure that repetitive tasks happened correctly and with far less effort than doing them manually. Everything from creating new user accounts, to installing software and upgrades, to basic login scripts has been coded somewhere along the way by a savvy systems admin looking to avoid headaches and spend a little less time on repetitive tasks.
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 New Features: Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX
3 Comments »
Microsoft has confirmed that the industry required gold standard of Microsoft stability, Service Pack 1, is in the works for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. (Both Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 are built on the same code base which allows for better integration, and also means that large updates like Service Packs are typically released together.)
As always, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will include a rollup of patches and fixes developed since the original release shipped. Microsoft has also started banging the drum about two new features that are slated to be a part of the first Service Pack for Server 2008 and Windows 7.
New Features in Server 2008 R2 SP1 Update
The two new features mentioned in various statements and internal Microsoft blogs, such as Windows Server Division WebLog (no word on the appropriateness of the capitalized “L” in weblog) are Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX, both of which are functions for Microsoft virtualization.
Microsoft System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM Exam 70-658) Certification Guide
No Comments »
Today we wrap up the Microsoft System Center series with a look at System Center Data Protection Manager Certification.
System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM)
System Center Data Protection Manager is the final product in the System Center family. Data loss from system failure or accidental deletion has the potential to bring operations to a standstill. Accordingly, the backbone of an IT Department’s policies and procedures should outline provisions for data backup and recovery.
But backing up systems in an enterprise environment is no easy task. That’s where System Center Data Protection Manager 2008 comes in. Windows backup and recovery for applications and servers is integrated into a secondary disk and tape solution via the DPM server.
SCDPM Certification
You will need to pass one exam for this certification — Exam 70-658: TS: System Center Data Protection Manager 2007, Configuring. Your new designation will be, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: System Center Data Protection Manager, Configuration.
Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM Exam 70-403) Certification Guide
1 Comment »
In our series on Microsoft System Center Certifications, we’ve covered SCCM: System Center Configuration Manager and SCOM: System Center Operations Manager.
Today we continue with the System Center Virtual Machine Manager Certification.
System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM)
System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 is the third product in the System Center family. If virtual environments are a part of your corporate network environment, this is the tool for you. SCVMM not only supports management of virtual machines, but physical devices as well. You’ll be able to manage performance and resource optimization, consolidation of underutilized physical servers, and faster provisioning of new virtual machines.
Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM Exam 70-400) Certification Guide
No Comments »
In the previous article in this series, we covered SCCM — System Center Configuration Manager certification. Today, we’ll take a more in-depth look at System Center Operations Manager (SCOM).
System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) 2007
Network operations range from the routine, to the complex. No matter the task, System Center Operations Manager 2007 is focused on automation. Reporting, system and performance monitoring can consume a significant portion of a system administrator’s day. These are the folks that would benefit from the consolidation offered by this tool. It uses role based security and integrates Active Directory in order to simplify monitoring, device configuration and deployment in complex environments.
SCOM Certification
You only need to pass one exam to obtain the SCOM certification: Exam 70-400: TS: Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuring. Microsoft is sometimes quiet about exam formats, but they are typically multiple choice and performance based.
By passing the 70-400 exam will earn the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): System Center Operations Manager 2007, Configuration Certification.
Socialize
