Microsoft Windows Server Administration

Course Description

CET 2792 – Microsoft Windows Server is a 3-credit-hour course in the Computer Engineering Technology discipline. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to install and configure Microsoft Windows Server on computers that are part of a workgroup or a domain. The main goal is to give students a comprehensive understanding of Windows Server and to prepare them to tackle server administration in real-world enterprise and small-business environments. Students gain hands-on experience deploying and managing Windows Server roles, services, and security features.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Install and configure Microsoft Windows Server in both workgroup and domain environments.
• Deploy and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), including creating and managing users, groups, and computer accounts.
• Configure and administer DNS (Domain Name System) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server roles.
• Implement and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security and configuration standards.
• Configure file and print services, including NTFS permissions, shared folders, and print server roles.
• Manage local and network storage, including disk management, volumes, and basic storage configurations.
• Configure Windows Server security, including firewall settings, user account control, and security policies.
• Monitor server performance and manage system updates using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or equivalent tools.
• Perform basic server backup and recovery operations.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on instructor emphasis and institutional resources:

• Deploy and configure Hyper-V virtualization and manage virtual machines on Windows Server.
• Integrate Windows Server with Microsoft Azure hybrid cloud services.
• Automate server administration tasks using Windows PowerShell scripting.
• Configure Remote Access Services (RAS) including VPN and DirectAccess.
• Deploy and manage Web Server (IIS) and application server roles.
• Implement IPv6 addressing and network transition technologies.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Windows Server Overview: Server editions, roles, features, and the Windows Server licensing model.
• Installation and Initial Configuration: Clean installs, upgrades, Server Core vs. Desktop Experience, post-installation configuration.
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Installing domain controllers, managing users, groups, organizational units (OUs), and trusts.
• DNS Configuration: Forward and reverse lookup zones, resource records, zone transfers, and DNS troubleshooting.
• DHCP Configuration: Scopes, reservations, exclusions, options, and DHCP failover.
• Group Policy: Creating, linking, and managing GPOs; software deployment; security settings enforcement.
• File and Print Services: NTFS and share permissions, Distributed File System (DFS), print server configuration.
• Storage Management: Basic and dynamic disks, RAID configurations, Storage Spaces, and volume management.
• Server Security: Windows Firewall with Advanced Security, user account policies, auditing, and security templates.
• System Monitoring and Maintenance: Event Viewer, Performance Monitor, Task Manager, Windows Update management.
• Backup and Recovery: Windows Server Backup, system state backups, and recovery procedures.

Optional Topics

• Hyper-V Virtualization: Creating and managing virtual machines, virtual switches, and checkpoints.
• PowerShell Administration: Cmdlets for server management, scripting for task automation, and remote management.
• Remote Access Services: VPN configuration, Network Policy Server (NPS), and DirectAccess.
• Web Server (IIS): Installing and configuring IIS, managing web applications, and SSL certificates.
• Hybrid Cloud Integration: Connecting on-premises Windows Server environments to Microsoft Azure services.
• IPv6 Networking: IPv6 addressing, transition technologies, and coexistence with IPv4.

Resources & Tools

• Microsoft Windows Server (current supported version, e.g., Windows Server 2019/2022) – primary platform for all lab exercises
• Oracle VirtualBox or Microsoft Hyper-V – virtualization platform for building lab environments
• Microsoft Learn (learn.microsoft.com) – free official documentation, learning paths, and sandbox labs
• TestOut Server Pro or equivalent interactive simulation software – used at many Florida colleges for hands-on practice
• Windows Admin Center – modern browser-based server management tool
• Textbook: MCSA Windows Server Guide (publisher titles vary by institution; e.g., Exam Ref titles from Microsoft Press)

Career Pathways

Completion of CET 2792 prepares students for entry-level to mid-level IT infrastructure roles, including:

• Systems Administrator – Manage and maintain Windows Server environments in business organizations.
• Network Administrator – Configure and support DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and related network services.
• IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician (Tier II/III) – Resolve server and domain-level support issues.
• Cloud Systems Administrator – Manage hybrid Windows Server and Azure environments.
• Information Security Analyst – Implement and monitor server security policies and auditing.

This course supports progression toward an A.A.S. or A.S. degree in Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Information Technology, or related programs at Florida state colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

CET 2792 provides foundational preparation for the following industry certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate – Validated by Exam AZ-800 (Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure) and Exam AZ-801. Students who integrate Azure hybrid topics are best prepared for this credential.
• CompTIA Server+ – Coverage of server hardware, installation, storage, and administration aligns with Server+ exam objectives.
• CompTIA Network+ – DNS, DHCP, and networking topics reinforce and extend Network+ competencies.

Students are encouraged to pursue Microsoft and CompTIA certifications to strengthen their professional credentials for Florida's IT workforce. Certification vouchers or testing resources may be available through the college's workforce development office.