Networking Study Guide

Week 1: Windows Server Environment - Lecture Introduction Back to Top

In most cases, our first introduction to a server is during the login process. As shown in the Windows Server 2008 login screen, logging in appears simple and straightforward. However, behind the scenes, logging in is a much different story for the administrator. For instance, see the questions below.

What exactly is a user, and how are users managed? How do passwords protect resources? What happens when we log into a domain? What are the ways we can connect to a server? Those are just a few of the questions that will be answered during the next 8 weeks. As an administrator, you will understand the details and complex actions that are occurring during the login process and how those actions enable Windows Server to provide its services.

Business Requirements Back to Top Many of you have configured multiple computers and set up a network to connect those computers in your home. In the business world, though, things are much different. The level of complexity is far greater for those networks and the services needed, as is the number of requirements that must be satisfied. An overriding consideration for all of our decisions and designs is that our solutions must be cost effective and must satisfy requirements. In today's business environment, we cannot afford to add or change technology or solutions if they do not provide more benefits than they cost. At home, we may upgrade technology to the latest and greatest, but in the business world, that never makes sense. Also, if done, the upgrade introduces major risks to current operations. At a minimum in the business environment, we need to ensure that

requirements are stated and understood, along with all implications to the current environment; a business case is developed that shows cost effectiveness and is approved by stakeholders; successful testing in a representative production environment is complete; and an implementation plan...