Windows Server 2008 introduces several new features that make deploying and managing servers easier. For administration of a single server, Server Manager is a new, integrated Microsoft Management Console (MMC) that offers a seamless, integrated management experience. In larger enterprises, management of multiple servers can be automated using Windows PowerShell, which consists of a new command-line shell and scripting language designed specifically to automate administration tasks for server roles, such as Internet Information Services (IIS) and Active Directory. Any organization can benefit from Windows Deployment Services and Windows Performance and Reliability Monitor.
Server Manager
The new Server Manager console in Windows Server 2008 eases the task of managing and securing multiple server roles in an enterprise. Server Manager guides administrators through the process of installing, configuring, and managing server roles and features that are part of Windows Server 2008. In Windows Server 2008, a server role describes the primary function of the server.
Server Manager replaces several features included with Windows Server 2003, including Manage Your Server, Configure Your Server, and Add or Remove Windows Components. Server Manager also eliminates the requirement that administrators run the Security Configuration Wizard before deploying servers—server roles are configured with recommended security settings by default and are ready to deploy as soon as they are installed and properly configured.
Server Manager provides a single location for administrators to see a concise overview of a server, change the server’s system properties, and install or remove roles or features. With Server Manager, administrators can easily:
View and make changes to server roles and features installed on the server.
Perform management tasks associated with the operational life cycle of the server, such as starting or stopping services, and managing local user accounts.
Perform management tasks associated with the operational life cycle of roles installed on the server.
Determine server status, identify critical events, and analyze and troubleshoot configuration issues or failures.
Install or remove roles, role services, and features by using a Windows command line.
Completing setup and initial configuration is streamlined with Server Manager using the new Initial Configuration Tasks (ICT). ICT guides you through the procedures that are necessary to complete the setup and initial configuration of a new server, such as specifying the administrator password and the computer name, joining the machine to a domain, and enabling Windows Update and server roles.
Wizards in Server Manager streamline the task of deploying servers in your enterprise by cutting the time it takes to install, configure, or remove roles, role services, and features. Multiple roles, role services, or features can be installed or removed in a single session by using Server Manager wizards. Dependency checks are performed as you progress through the Server Manager wizards, ensuring that all the roles and role services needed by selected roles are installed, and none are removed that might still be required by remaining roles or role services.
Server Manager also offers a command-line tool—ServerManagerCmd.exe—which allows you to install and remove roles and features from the command-line prompt or by using scripts. You can use ServerManagerCmd.exe to install and remove roles, role services, and features. It also allows you to query the server for the list of available roles and features, as well as the ones that are currently installed on the server.
Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell is a new command-line shell and scripting language that helps IT Professionals achieve greater productivity and control system administration more easily. Windows PowerShell accelerates automation of system administration tasks and can help improve your organization’s ability to address the unique system-management problems of your server environment.
Windows PowerShell is easy to adopt, learn, and use because it does not require a background in programming, and it works with your existing IT infrastructure, existing scripts, and existing command-line tools. Unlike most shells which accept and return text, Windows PowerShell is built on top of the .NET common language runtime (CLR) and the .NET Framework, accepting and returning .NET objects. This fundamental change in the environment brings entirely new tools and methods to the management and configuration of Windows.
Windows PowerShell introduces the concept of a cmdlet, a simple, single-function command-line tool built into the shell. Windows PowerShell includes more than 130 standard cmdlets, and you can write your own cmdlets. Each cmdlet can be used separately, but their power is realized when you combine these simple tools to perform complex tasks.
Windows PowerShell is a useful tool for managing specific Windows Server 2008 roles, such as Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 and Terminal Server, as well as Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and Microsoft Operations Manager 2007:
Because Terminal Server stores a wealth of data in Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), administrators can automate Terminal Server configuration changes by means of Windows PowerShell scripts, and examine configuration similarities and differences across a Terminal Server farm. See the numerous script examples in the TechNet ScriptCenter.
Windows PowerShell is ideally suited to managing IIS 7.0, including deploying and configuring IIS 7.0 across a Web farm. Learn more at IIS.net and Channel 9. Submit an IIS script as part of the Windows PowerShell Script Contest, and have a chance to win an Xbox or a trip to the Microsoft Redmond Campus.
Common as-needed server administration tasks, such as identifying running services or processes, viewing the registry, and reading and changing settings stored in WMI, are easier than ever with the built-in command-line tools (cmdlets) get-service, get-process, get-wmiobject, and the registry provider for Windows PowerShell.
Windows Deployment Services
Windows Deployment Services, the updated and redesigned version of Remote Installation Services (RIS), is a suite of components that work together on Windows Server 2008 to enable the deployment of Windows operating systems, particularly Windows Vista. Windows Deployment Services assists with the rapid adoption and deployment of Windows operating systems. You can use it to set up new computers by using a network-based installation. This means that you do not have to be physically present at each computer, and you do not have to install directly from a CD or DVD. You can also use Windows Deployment Services to repurpose existing computers.
Windows Reliability and Performance Monitor
Windows Server 2008 includes Windows Reliability and Performance Monitor, which provides IT Professionals with tools to monitor and assess system performance and reliability. Windows Reliability and Performance Monitor is an MMC snap-in that combines the functionality of previous stand-alone tools, including Performance Logs and Alerts, Server Performance Advisor, and System Monitor. It provides a graphical interface for customizing performance data collection and Event Trace sessions. It also includes Reliability Monitor, an MMC snap-in that tracks changes to the system and compares them to changes in system stability, providing a graphical view of their relationship.
