Volume 3, Issue 3
August 21, 2007

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Windows Server 2008 – Column by Mohamed Baher Ibrahim. Topic: Server Core

Beginning with Windows Server "Longhorn", administrators can choose to install Windows Server with only core server functionality and without any extra overhead. This new installation option will not install non-essential services and applications and will provide base server functionality without any extra overhead. While the Server Core installation option is a fully functioning mode of the operating system supporting one of the designate roles, it does not include the server graphic user interface (GUI). This limits the roles that can be performed by the server, but can improve security and reduce management. This type of installation is called a Server Core installation. Server Core provides an environment for running the following server roles:

Mohamed Baher

1. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server


2. Domain Name System (DNS) server


3. File and print Servers


4. Domain controller

To accomplish this, the Server Core installation option installs only a subset of the executable files and supporting dynamic link libraries (DLLs). Specifically, only those features that are required by these four server roles are installed. For example, the Windows Explorer user interface (or "shell") is not installed as part of Server Core. Instead, when using a Server Core–based server, the default user interface is the command prompt, however system administrators can manage the Server Core from their administration workstation using the Windows Server 2008 administration tools. The server core installation of Windows Server "Longhorn" supports the following optional features:

1. Failover Clustering


2. Network Load Balancing


3. Subsystem for UNIX-based applications


4. Backup


5. Multipath IO


6. Removable Storage Management


7. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)


8. BitLocker™ Drive Encryption


9. Telnet client


10. WINS

Because Server Core installations include only what is required for the designated roles, a Server Core installation will typically require less maintenance and fewer updates as there are fewer components to manage. In other words, since there are fewer programs and components installed and running on the server, there are fewer attack vectors exposed to the network, resulting in a reduced attack surface. If a security flaw or vulnerability is discovered in a component that is not installed, a patch is not required.
Click here for more information regarding Windows Server Core
Click here for an overview about Windows Server 2008
Download the Windows Server 2008 Beta 3

Getting Started with System Center Essentials 2007

Take Your Apps Virtual with Microsoft SoftGrid
Virtualized applications offer numerous benefits, from improved user experience to simplified system administration. Get a detailed overview of how Microsoft SoftGrid delivers virtual applications, how it can fit into your infrastructure, and how it can save your company time and money.

Office Communications Server 2007 Trial Is Now Available for Download
Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, the next evolution of Live Communications Server, delivers streamlined communications for your users so they can find and communicate with the right person, right now, from the applications they use most -- like Microsoft Office Outlook. And when you download the 180-day trial software, you’re automatically registered to receive valuable resources delivered at strategic intervals throughout the software evaluation period.

See previous comics in the TechNet Flash Web-based archive.

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How-to Articles

Hotfixes

Knowledge Base Articles

See a selection of new Knowledge Base articles on the TechNet Web site. KB articles feature an Article Translations box in the right column. You can select a language from the drop-down list and read the article in the selected language.

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Speed Up Your Desktop Deployment Planning
Download the newly released and free Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0 tool to help you determine your computers’ readiness and the upgrades required for your Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office migration project. Use the auto-generated readiness reports and migration proposals to speed up your desktop deployment planning today.

Windows Server 2008 Security Enhancements (Level 200)
Thursday, August 9, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Learn how Windows Server 2008 defends against malicious software (malware), improves authentication and access control, and helps protect your data. In this overview, we highlight the new security technologies found in Windows Server 2008, including Server and Domain Isolation, Network Access Protection, public key infrastructure enhancements, Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption, Windows Rights Management Services, and more.

Windows Server 2008 Technical Overview (Part 2 of 2) (Level 200)
Friday, August 10, at 11:30 AM Pacific Time
In the second half of this webcast series, we look at some of the new security improvements, and also discuss a new feature called Network Access Protection. Finally, we explain in detail the significant changes and improvements Terminal Services has undergone since the previous version of Windows.

A Technical Overview of Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services (Level 200)
Friday, August 17, at 9:30 AM Pacific Time
For organizations that have remote users, Windows Server 2008 adds improvements and innovations to Terminal Services that facilitate better integration of remote and local applications on client computers, access to these same remote programs via a Web browser, and a means to access remote terminals and applications across firewalls.

UNIX Interoperability in Windows Server 2008 (Level 200)
Monday, August 20, at 11:30 AM Pacific Time
See how the UNIX interoperability components in Windows Server 2008 can help you integrate UNIX and Windows-based systems to reduce costs and deliver a complete solution.

Managing Distributed Branch Office Environments with System Center and Windows Server 2008 (Level 300)
Thursday, August 23, at 11:30 AM Pacific Time
In this webcast, we highlight the Microsoft System Center portfolio of IT management solutions and Windows Server 2008. We discuss various IT solutions and architectures that can help you deliver quality IT service management for branch environments, including data protection and recovery, configuration management, and performance and event management.

Windows Server 2008: Management, Security and Improved Performance for Your Remote Infrastructure
Tuesday, August 28, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Add to Calendar | Join Chat Room
Join us for a Q&A on the new features in Windows Server 2008 that will help you manage and secure your remote infrastructure as well as WAN performance improvements included in the new TCP and SMB protocols. Ask our experts about Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption; improvements in Active Directory, Server Core, the Next-Generation TCP/IP stack and Server Message Block 2.0.

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Branch Office Technology (Level 300)
Friday, August 31, at 9:30 AM Pacific Time
Learn about the Next-Generation TCP/IP stack in the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 operating systems. The Next Generation TCP/IP stack -- a complete redesign of TCP/IP functionality for both Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) -- meets the connectivity and performance needs of today's varied networking environments and technologies. During the session, we examine the many security, performance, and scalability improvements that the Next-Generation IT stack introduces, and we discuss how you can prepare your network for IPv6.

Windows Server 2008 Storage Features and Reducing IT Overhead
Wednesday, September 19, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time
To learn about the new and improved storage features, join this IT manager webcast about Windows Server 2008.

Windows Server 2008 Technical Overview (Part 1 of 2) (Level 300)
Explore some of the new core operating system features and see how they enhance productivity and performance. In the next session, we take a look at the new security and networking features of Windows Server 2008.

An Interview with Iain McDonald on Windows Server 2008 Fundamentals
Join Iain McDonald in a candid conversation about the powerful improvements to the core fundamentals in Windows Server 2008 from the Windows Server 2003 family of operating systems. Learn about notable improvements to networking, advanced security features for Windows Firewall, performance and reliability monitoring, failover clustering, and the file system.

An Interview with Bryon Surace on Windows Server Virtualization Scenarios and Architecture
Tune in for the interview with Bryon Surace as he provides a brief overview of the new Windows Server virtualization technologies incorporated in Windows Server 2008. He will provide an overview of the scenarios, architecture and key features.

An Interview with Bill Staples on Windows Server 2008 Web and Application Platforms
Windows Server 2008 is a powerful Web application and services platform. Join Bill Staples as he talks about the release of Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.0 in Windows Server 2008, which delivers a completely modular, extensible Web server with expanded application hosting, while retaining excellent compatibility and solving key customer challenges.

An Interview with Bob Visse on the Benefits of Windows Server 2008 Features
With its built-in Web and virtualization technologies, Windows Server 2008 is one of the most robust, secure, and reliable foundations on which to develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications. See how you can provide a secure network infrastructure and reduce costs while increasing technological flexibility and value within your organization.

Determine Hardware and Device Readiness Using Windows Vista Hardware Assessment 2.0
The Windows Vista Hardware Assessment version 2.0 deployment tool enables you to determine in a matter of hours whether the computers on your network are ready for the Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office system. Listen in and learn how the tool assesses the hardware and device compatibility of each organization's existing PCs across the network.

2007 Microsoft Office System: Plan and Deploy with Confidence
Get the inside scoop on key features of the 2007 Microsoft Office system fast, with Webcast Express. These webcasts are 10 - 15 minutes long and are designed to provide you with valuable product information quickly and easily. Tune in and learn more about installation, configuration, search, reporting, and more. You can also view our full-length webcasts, take part in virtual labs, and download podcasts.

On-Demand Microsoft IT Webcasts for IT Pros

Housing Company Saved $38,000 in PC Replacement Costs During Recent Windows Vista Deployment
Collegiate Housing Services used Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool and determined that 70 percent of their existing PCs were ready for Windows Vista with only a few minor upgrades, saving U.S.$38,000 in PC replacement costs.

Telecommunications Certification Company Found 88 Percent of Existing PCs to Be Windows Vista Ready
Sporton International, Inc., in Taiwan determined that 88 percent of their existing PCs could be ready for Windows Vista with a small investment of minor hardware upgrades. Read this success story and learn more about the Windows Vista Hardware Assessment tool that helped get the job done.

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Training & Books

How Microsoft Does IT: White Papers, Case Studies, Webcasts, and Much More
Best practices and lessons learned revealed. Subscribe via our RSS feed and get timely, in-depth information on how Microsoft IT plans for, deploys, and manages Microsoft products within its own global enterprise.

Microsoft IT Best Practices Revealed for Deploying Windows Vista, the 2007 Office System, and Exchange Server 2007
Take advantage of Microsoft IT lessons learned for your own unique deployments through Microsoft IT Showcase.

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Integrating Mobility into the Enterprise at Microsoft Microsoft Information Technology has developed multiple strategies to manage the rapid growth of mobile devices in the enterprise. These strategies include cost-effective and streamlined procurement for mobile operator services, standardization on one platform while making many devices available to users, support infrastructure enhancements to improve productivity, and the establishment of strong security procedures to help protect corporate intellectual property, critical business data, and other enterprise information.

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Managing Information Exchange Agreements Based on the Microsoft Office System
Based on the 2007 Microsoft Office system, the IEA solution centralizes contract assembly processes and ensures contract consistency across all of Microsoft. This centralization reduces administrative and legal costs that are associated with establishing and managing business relationships across Microsoft subsidiaries.

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Enterprise Search at Microsoft with Office SharePoint Server 2007
Bringing diverse content sets together in a single search center experience has been a challenge. With Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, it’s possible to allow users to search against different content repositories with just a few clicks.

Technical White Paper
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Using Exchange Server 2007 for Unified Messaging and Fax
This technical white paper details Microsoft IT’s technical implementation and deployment strategy for Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging features in the its enterprise messaging environment of over 120,000 mailboxes.

Technical Case Study
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Insight Workshops from Microsoft IT Showcase
Offered worldwide, Insight Workshops provide IT professionals an opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer technology sharing in a multiple-day workshop environment, offering a unique inside view into Microsoft’s process of developing, deploying and managing Microsoft enterprise solutions. Current topics include Enterprise Security & Directory Services, Manageability, and Messaging Deployment & Operations at Microsoft.