I. Introduction to Windows Server 2003
What’s new in Windows Server 2003?
Microsoft Server 2003 was a significant improvement in server technology from Microsoft. It has new features throughout the operating system. There are significant updates in a variety of the services, features, and architectures in the OS.
System Administrators should know the benefits to administering the OS and what things are going to make your life easier.
Active Directory
AD was improved to lower total cost of ownership and ease the management of the directory service. Migration tools were upgraded to version 2.0 allowing for migrating passwords from Windows NT 4 and Windows 2000 to a Windows 2003 domain. There were improvements to group policy allowing for central management from the Microsoft Group Policy Management Console. In addition, Microsoft improved the MMC plugins and the GUI of the operating system
Microsoft has also made improvements to security, performance, and dependability. If you are familiar with Windows NT 4 or Windows 2000 domains, this tutorial will help you by introducing the new features of Windows Server 2003. If you have not yet experienced other Windows Server operating systems, this tutorial can help give you the foundation you need to administer Windows Server 2003.
File and Print Services
You may also be interested in some of the key new features with Windows File and Print services. Windows Server 2003 introduces Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), a feature which quickly creates point-in-time copies of data. This can be used to make more reliable backups and take a quick snapshot of a server’s file system.
Microsoft increased the performance of NTFS Journaling File System. NTFS uses journaling to create a more reliable, secure, and high performance file system.
Microsoft also improved the performance of CHKDSK. Now when you are coming in for a weekend maintenance, you will not have to wait as long for your CHKDSK to complete!
Management Tools
Microsoft increased the capabilities of several of its management utilities with Windows Server 2003. Most significantly are its management tools for Group Policy. Microsoft added 200 additional group policy settings in Windows Server 2003, allowing you even greater control in locking down the desktops in your organization.
In addition, Microsoft improved its Remote Installation Services (RIS), the User State Migration tool, and the Windows Installer.
All
of these improvements should help lower your costs and make administering a Windows 2003 domain even easier than before.
Web Resources: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/overview/technologies/
