what should I know if I want to use Windows Server 2008?

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by fatah007, Oct 26, 2008.

  1. fatah007

    fatah007 MDL Novice

    Oct 24, 2008
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    Hi I want to begin with Microsoft Windows Server 2008
    I know absolutely nothing of server's.
    what should I know if I want to use Windows Server 2008?
    and how should I start?

    thanks for your help
     
  2. romuluz

    romuluz MDL Novice

    Oct 15, 2008
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    IMO you should ask yourself a few questions first and then write down corresponding scenarios.. Questions could be:
    1. Why do I want to start using it? (there is a need or just to try)
    2. What would be the scenario? (1 server/1-3 clients, 2-5 servers/10-100 clients, etc.)
    3. Which role(s) would it have to handle? (directory/DNS/remote access/web/ftp/mail/fax/file/etc.)
    4. Do I have a suitable hardware for it? (taking into account answers above)
    5. Do I know enough about basic networking?
    6. Am I willing to spend at least 100 hours learning tech jumbo-mumbo stuff?
    7. What is my budget for this project(s)
    ----------------
    Then.. once you have a suitable hardware, download trial version
    from Microsoft, download some eBooks (or buy regular books if you can't stand reading from the screen) covering topics from your answers above.
    Install Windows Server 2008 and start reading/clicking/learning/trying to accomplish particular configuration tasks..

    I think this should get you started ;)
     
  3. OleBent

    OleBent MDL Member

    Aug 22, 2007
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    Yup! Read & learn!

    IMHO a very kind, good and precise answer to your question.

    Although "at least a 100 hours".... :D
    hehe romuluz you cant be serious......
    Maybe Im just a very slow learning dude...
    But that is a very optimistic estimate aint it. ;)
     
  4. romuluz

    romuluz MDL Novice

    Oct 15, 2008
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    That's why I said "at least 100 hours" :)
    I think in 100 hours a person with common understanding of computers and windows with some minor help and advice can get a server up and running..
    Windows 2008 is very forgiving in some aspects of security and basic features. It will not enable things you don't need and should let one get only certain roles going fairly quick.. And hardware compatibility is very good out of the box (most chipsets, plenty of raid controllers, etc.) you're not likely to end up with a BSOD in 99% of situations :))
    Of course 100 hours will not make one a guru or sys admin, but for generic house needs or small company (2-10 employees) it should get someone up and running (I think)
    I also think during learning curve it's very important to concentrate,
    always have a sense of direction and keep looking for other ways to get
    something accomplished when you hit the wall (creative thinking :)
    and perseverance is a must ;)
     
  5. OleBent

    OleBent MDL Member

    Aug 22, 2007
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    @romuluz

    My responses intention was i no way to be disrespectfull to your great answer.
    I certainly find your list a very good starting point in terms of consideration before starting out into that journey for anybody new to the whole srv bizz.

    I fully agree to the points you make in the response afterwards as well.

    Reading the 100 hour thing just gave me a great laugh into the night here....
    Thinking bout the endless hours I myself has put into learning just chunks of all the stuff I´d like to know.

    So sorry if the late hour made me tip a little over into craziness.

    :)
     
  6. romuluz

    romuluz MDL Novice

    Oct 15, 2008
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    Glad I got you smiling :)
    We don't want to discourage and scare those who are just starting, do we?.. I always applaud people willing to learn and going beyond just "I wish.." thought ;)
    And I also respect people admitting they either know little or nothing at all on the subject. Honesty is such a quality, that will get you lots of supporters IMO. And I wish Fatah007 all the luck and god's speed!
     
  7. OleBent

    OleBent MDL Member

    Aug 22, 2007
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    I totally agree with you on these thoughtfull views.
     
  8. fatah007

    fatah007 MDL Novice

    Oct 24, 2008
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    Thank you guys
    I do the study ict
    I ask this for a project that I should make
    and to begin to Server 2008
    thank you for your info