How to change Windows edition without reinstalling Windows? Active Directory Deployment

This article covers the basics operating system. Here we will look at:

Difference from previous versions;
Editions of this OS;
Installing Windows Server 2003;
Server roles;
Active Directory Basics;
Command line functions;
Setting up a remote desktop;
Setting up a DHCP server.

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is one of the most powerful server operating systems for PCs. Today there are newer versions of server operating systems, for example: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, but today we will talk about this operating system because... During this time it has become so popular among system administrators, and many of them still do not want to switch to newer versions of the OS. This OS implements completely new system management and administration tools that first appeared in Windows 2000. Here are some of them:

Active Directory - An extensible and scalable directory service that uses a namespace based on the standard Internet Domain Naming Service ( Domain Name System, DNS);
InteiUMirror — configuration environment supporting mirroring of user data and environment settings, as well as central installation and maintenance administration software;
Terminal Services - Terminal Services, which enables remote logon and management of other Windows Server 2003 systems;
Windows Script Host - Windows script server to automate common administrative tasks such as creating user accounts and reporting on event logs.

Although Windows Server 2003 has many other features, these four are the most important for performing administrative tasks. This applies to the maximum extent to Active Directory, so to be successful, the Windows Server 2003 system administrator must clearly understand the structure and procedures of this service.

If you already have experience with Windows 2000 servers, upgrading to Windows Server 2003 will be relatively easy because it is the next step in updating the Windows 2000 platform and technologies.

You can find an extensive list of new features in many books on new systems. In fact, the list of changes in Windows Server 2003 compared to the previous version is quite large, and there are features that will interest almost every administrator.

In addition to its extensive list of new features, Windows Server 2003 is also exciting because it comes in 32-bit, 64-bit, and embedded ( embedded) options. However, the most important differences concern the four editions of the OS, which are listed below in order of functionality and, accordingly, price:

Windows Server 2003 Web Edition;
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition;
Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition;
Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition.

Web Edition

To help Windows Server 2003 compete with other Web servers, Microsoft released a stripped-down but fully functional edition specifically for Web services. Feature set and licensing make it easy to deploy Web pages, Web sites, Web applications, and Web services.

Windows Server 2003 Web Edition supports 2 GB of RAM and dual-processor symmetric processing ( symmetric multiprocessor, SMP). This edition supports an unlimited number of anonymous Web connections, but only 10 incoming server message block connections ( server message block, SMB), and this is more than enough to publish content. Such a server cannot act as an Internet gateway, DHCP or fax server. Although the server can be managed remotely using Remote Desktop software, it cannot play the role of a terminal server in the traditional sense: it can belong to a domain, but cannot be a domain controller.

Standard Edition

This edition is a robust, feature-rich server that provides directory, file, print, application, multimedia and Web services for small and medium-sized businesses. Extensive ( compared to Windows 2000) the set of functions is supplemented by a number of components: MSDE ( Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine) - version SQL server Server, supporting five parallel connections to a database up to 2 GB in size; free pre-configured POP3 service ( Post Office Protocol v3), which together with the SMTP service ( Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) allows the node to play the role of a small stand-alone mail server; useful NLB tool ( Network Load Balancing), which was only present in Windows 2000 Advanced Server.

The Standard Edition supports up to 4 GB of RAM and four-processor SMP processing.

Enterprise Edition

Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition aims to be a powerful server platform for medium and large enterprises. Its enterprise features include support for eight processors, 32 GB of RAM, eight-node clustering including SAN-based clustering ( Storage Area Network, SAN) and geographically distributed clustering, plus compatibility with 64-bit computers based on Intel Itanium, which allows support for 64 GB of RAM and eight-processor SMP processing.
The following are other differences between the Enterprise Edition and the Standard Edition:

MMS services support ( Microsoft Metadirectory Services), allowing you to combine directories, databases and files with the Active Directory directory service;
« Hot» adding memory ( Hot Add Memory) - you can add memory to supported hardware systems without shutting down or rebooting;
Windows System Resource Manager ( Windows System Resource Manager, WSRM), supporting the distribution of processor and memory resources between individual applications.

Datacenter Edition

The Datacenter Edition is available only as an OEM version, offered with high-end servers, and supports virtually unlimited scalability: for 32-bit platforms - 32-processor SMP processing and 64 GB of RAM, for 64-bit - 64 -processor SMP processing and 512 GB of RAM. There is also a version that supports 128-processor SMP processing based on two 64-processor sections.

64-bit editions

Compared to 32-bit editions, 64-bit editions of Windows Server 2003 running on Intel Itanium computers utilize processor speed more efficiently and perform faster floating point operations. Improvements in code and processing have significantly speeded up computing operations. Increased speed of access to a huge memory address space improves the performance of complex, resource-intensive applications, such as large database applications, research applications and high-load Web servers.

However, some features are not available in 64-bit editions. For example, 64-bit editions do not support 16-bit Windows applications, real-mode applications, POSIX applications, and print services for Apple Macintosh clients.

Installing and configuring Windows Server 2003

When installing Windows Server 2003, the system is configured according to its role in the network. Servers typically become part of a workgroup or domain.

Working groups are loose associations of computers in which each computer is controlled independently.
As an administrator, you have undoubtedly spent a lot of time installing Windows platforms. The following are important features to consider when installing Windows Server 2003.

Installation from bootable CD. Windows Server 2003 continues the tradition of installing from a CD. However, there is also an innovation: installation from floppy disks is no longer supported;
Improved graphical user interface during installation. During installation, Windows Server 2003 uses a graphical user interface ( GUI), similar to the Windows XP interface. It more accurately describes the current state of the installation and the time remaining until it is completed;
Product activation. Retail and trial versions of Windows Server 2003 require activation. Bulk licensing programs such as Open License, Select License or Enterprise Agreement do not require activation.

Once Windows is installed and activated, you can configure your server using the well-designed Manage this server page ( Manage Your Server), which automatically opens when you log in. This page simplifies the installation of some services, tools, and configurations depending on the server role. Click the Add or Remove Role button ( Add Or Remove A Role), the Server Configuration Wizard window will appear ( Configure Your Server Wizard).
If you select the Typical setup for the first server switch ( Typical Configuration For A First Server), the wizard will make the server a new domain controller, install Active Directory services and, if necessary, DNS services ( Domain Name Service), DHCP ( Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and RRAS ( Routing And Remote Access).

If you select the Special configuration switch ( Custom Configuration), the wizard can configure the following roles.

File server (File Server). Provides centralized access to files and directories for users, departments and the organization as a whole. Selecting this option allows you to manage user disk space by enabling and configuring disk quota controls and speed up file system searches by enabling the Indexing Service ( Indexing Service).
Print server (Print Server). Provides centralized management of printing devices, giving client computers access to shared printers and their drivers. If you select this option, the Add Printer Wizard will launch ( Add Printer), which allows you to install printers and related drivers. Additionally, the wizard installs IIS 6.0 ( Internet Information Services), configures the IPP printing protocol ( Internet Printing Protocol) and Web-based printer management tools;
Application Server IIS, ASP.NET (Application Server IIS, ASP.NET). Provides the infrastructure components that are required to support hosting Web applications. This role installs and configures IIS 6.0, ASP.NET and COM+;
Mail Server POPZ, SMTP (mail server POP3, SMTP). Installs POP3 and SMTP so that the server can act as a mail server for POP3 clients;
Terminal Server (Terminal Server). Allows multiple users to use the Terminal Services client software ( Terminal Services) or Remote Desktop Control ( Remote Desktop) connect to server applications and resources, such as printers or disk space, as if those resources were installed on their computers. Unlike Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 provides Remote Desktop Control automatically. Terminal server roles are required only when you want to host applications for users on a terminal server;
Remote access server or VPN server (Remote Access/VPN Server). Provides multi-protocol routing and remote access services for switched, local area (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) networks. Virtual private network ( virtual private network, VPN) provides a secure connection between the user and remote nodes via standard Internet connections;
Active Directory Domain Controller (Domain Controller Active Directory). Provides directory services to network clients. This option allows you to create a new or existing domain controller and set DNS. If you select this role, the Active Directory Setup Wizard ( Active Directory Installation Wizard);
DNS Server (DNS server). Provides hostname resolution: DNS names are resolved to IP addresses ( direct search) and back ( reverse search). If you select this option, the DNS service is installed and the DNS Server Configuration Wizard ( Configure A DNS Server Wizard);
DHCP server (DHCP Server). Provides automatic IP address allocation services to clients configured to dynamically obtain IP addresses. If you select this option, DHCP services are installed and the Create Realm Wizard ( New Scope Wizard), allowing you to define one or more ranges of IP addresses on the network;
Media Streaming Server (Streaming Media Server). Provides WMS services ( Windows Media Services), which allow the server to stream multimedia data over the Internet. Content can be stored and delivered on demand or in real time. If you select this option, the WMS server is installed;
WINS server (WINS Server). Provides computer name resolution by resolving NetBIOS names to IP addresses. Install the WINS service ( Windows Internet Name Service) is not required unless you support older operating systems such as Windows 95 or NT. Operating systems such as Windows 2000 and XP do not require WINS, although older applications running on these platforms may need to resolve NetBIOS names. If you select this option, the WINS server is installed.

Domain controllers and member servers

When installing Windows Server 2003, the system can be configured as a member server, a domain controller, or a standalone server. The differences between these types of servers are extremely important. Member servers are part of a domain but do not store directory information. Domain controllers store directory data and run authentication and directory services within the domain. Isolated servers are not part of a domain and have their own user database, so the isolated server also authenticates login requests.

Windows Server 2003 does not differentiate between primary and backup domain controllers because it supports a multi-master replication model. In this model, any domain controller can process directory changes and then automatically replicate them to other domain controllers. In Windows NT's single-master replication model, things don't work like that: the primary domain controller keeps the master copy of the directory, and the backup domain controllers keep copies of it. Additionally, Windows NT only distributes the Security Account Manager database ( security access manager, SAM), and Windows Server 2003 - an entire directory of information called the data store ( datastore). It contains sets of objects representing Accounts users, groups, and computers, and shared resources such as servers, files, and printers.

Domains that use Active Directory services are called Active Directory domains to distinguish them from Windows NT domains. Although Active Directory only works with one domain controller, additional controllers can and should be created in a domain. If ONE controller fails, others can be used to perform authentication and other critical tasks.

In an Active Directory domain, any member server can be promoted to the level of a domain controller without reinstalling the OS, as required by Windows NT. To turn a member server into a controller, you just need to install the Active Directory component on it. The opposite effect is also possible: demoting a domain controller to a member server if it is not the last domain controller on the network. Here's how to promote or demote a server using the Active Directory Setup Wizard.

Command Line Functions

Windows Server 2003 has a ton of command line utilities. Many of them use the TCP/IP protocol, so you should install it first.
As an administrator, you should be familiar with the following command line utilities.

ARP - Displays and manages the hardware-software address binding used by Windows Server 2003 to send data over a TCP/IP network;
FTP— launches the built-in FTP client;
HOSTNAME— displays the name of the local computer;
IPCONFIG— displays TCP/IP properties for network adapters installed on the system. Also used to update and release addresses issued by the DHCP service;
NBTSTAT— displays statistics and current connection for the NetBIOS protocol over TCP/IP;
NET— displays a list of subcommands of the NET command;
NETSH— displays and manages the network configuration of local and remote computers;
NETSTAT— displays current TCP/Ip connections and protocol statistics;
NSLOOKUP— checks the status of a host or IP address when used with DNS;
PATHPING— checks network paths and displays information about lost packets;
PING— tests the connection with a remote node;
ROUTE— manages routing tables in the system;
TRACERT- while quoted and I defines the network path to the remote node.

To learn how to use these tools, type the command name at the command prompt without parameters; in most cases, Windows Server 2003 will provide help on how to use it.

Using the NET Command

Most of the tasks associated with the NET command subcommands are easier to accomplish using graphical administration tools and Control Panel tools. However, these subcommands are useful for quickly performing some actions or for quickly obtaining information, especially during Telnet sessions with remote systems.

NET SEND— sends messages to users registered in the specified system;
NET START— starts a service in the system;
NET STOP— stops a service in the system;
NET TIME— displays the current system time or synchronizes the system time with another computer;
NET USE— connects and disconnects from a shared resource;
NET VIEW— displays a list of available network resources.

To learn how to use the NET command, type NET HELP followed by a subcommand name, such as NET HELP SEND. Windows Server 2003 will display the required help information

Creating a Remote Desktop Connection

As an administrator, you can create remote desktop connections to Windows servers and workstations. On Windows 2003 Server, this requires installing Terminal Services ( Terminal Services) and configure them for use in remote access mode. In Windows XP, Remote Desktop connections are allowed by default and all administrators automatically have access rights. In Windows Server 2003, Remote Desktop is installed automatically, but is disabled by default, and you must manually enable this feature.
Here is one way to create a remote desktop connection to a server or desktop.

Click Start ( Start), then Programs ( Programs) or All programs ( All Programs), then Standard ( Accessories), then Communication ( Communications), then Remote Desktop Connection. A dialog box of the same name will open;
In the Computer field ( Computer) enter the name of the computer you want to connect to. If you don't know the name, use the drop-down list provided or select the Browse For More option in the list to open a list of domains and computers in those domains;
By default, Windows Server 2003 uses the current username, domain, and password to log on to a remote computer. If you need another account's information, click Options and step through the fields. Username ( User Name), Password ( Password) and Domain ( Domain);
Click Connect ( Connect). Enter a password if required and click OK. If the connection is created successfully, you will see the remote desktop window of the selected computer and will be able to work with the resources of this computer. If the connection failed, check the information you entered and try again

With the Remote Desktop Connection command ( Remote Desktop Connection) is simple to work with, but it is inconvenient if you have to create remote connections with computers quite often. Instead, it is recommended to access the Remote Desktops console ( Remote Desktops). It allows you to set up connections to multiple systems and then easily switch from one connection to another.

Introduction to DHCP

DHCP - means centralized management allocation of IP addresses, but its functions are not limited to this. The DHCP server provides clients with the basic information necessary for the operation of a TCP/IP network: IP address, subnet mask, information about the default gateway, primary and secondary DNS and WINS servers, as well as the DNS domain name.

DHCP Client and IP Address

A computer with a dynamic IP address is called a DHCP client. When the computer boots, the DHCP client requests an IP address from the pool of addresses allocated to that DHCP server and uses the address for a certain amount of time, called the lease period ( lease). After approximately half of this period, the client attempts to renew the lease and repeats these attempts until the renewal is successful or the lease expires. If the lease renewal fails, the client contacts another DHCP server. If the client successfully contacts the server, but its current IP address cannot be renewed, the DHCP server assigns a new IP address to the client.

The DHCP server usually does not affect the boot or login process. Loading a DHCP client and registering a user on the local system is possible even when the DHCP server is not running.

When the DHCP client starts, it tries to find a DHCP server. If this succeeds, the client receives the necessary configuration information from the server. If the DHCP server is unavailable and the client's lease has not yet expired, the client uses Ping to poll the standard gateway specified when receiving the lease. If successful, the client believes that he is probably on the same network he was on when he received the lease, and continues to use it. A failed poll means the client may be on a different network. Then autoconfiguration is applied. The client also resorts to it if the DHCP server is unavailable and the lease has expired.

Installing a DHCP Server

Dynamic allocation of IP addresses is only possible if there is a DHCP server on the network. DHCP components are installed using the Windows Component Installation Wizard, and the server is launched and authorized from the DHCP console. Only authorized DHCP servers can provide clients with dynamic IP addresses.

Installing DHCP Components

To enable a server running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 to act as a DHCP server, follow these steps:

In the Start menu ( Start) select Programs ( Programs) or All programs (All Programs), then click Administration ( Administrative Tools) and Server Configuration Wizard.
Click Next twice ( Next). The current server roles appear. Select the DHCP Server role and click Next twice. The wizard will install DHCP and launch the Create Realm Wizard;
If you want to immediately create the initial scope for the DHCP server, click Next ( Next) and follow the steps listed in the “ Managing DHCP scopes" Otherwise, click Cancel ( Cancel) and create the required areas later.
Click Finish ( Finish). To use the server, you must authorize it in the domain, as described in the section Authorizing a DHCP Server in Active Directory. Next, you need to create and enable all the necessary DHCP scopes.

After installing the DHCP server, dynamic IP addressing is configured and managed from the DHCP console. The command to run it is located in the Administration menu ( Administrative Tools). The main window of the DHCP console has two panels. On the left, all DHCP servers in the domain are listed by IP address, including the local computer if the window is open on the DHCP server. On the right is detailed information about the selected object.

That’s probably all I wanted to tell you about the basics of the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating system.

I wish you good luck in mastering this OS.

Year of manufacture: 2003
Version: x32 x64
Developer: Microsoft
Vista compatible: Full

HDD 16 GB or more

LAN Fast Ethernet
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM

Tablet: Absent

Description:
The Windows Server 2003 system is one of the most effective platforms for building an infrastructure of network applications, networks and Web services: from the workgroup to the data center. Easier to deploy, manage, and use, Windows Server 2003 enables you to build a more secure IT infrastructure that provides a powerful application platform with the ability to quickly build networking and infrastructure solutions for information technology professionals to enhance their collaboration and enable the ability to collaborate anytime, anywhere.

Powerful web platform

Add. Information: Ratio of disks and checksums: Year of manufacture: 2003
Version: x32 x64
Developer: Microsoft
Vista compatible: Full
System requirements: Processor 1 GHz or more
Memory 1 GB or more (4 GB max)
HDD 16 GB or more
Monitor Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher-resolution monitor
LAN Fast Ethernet
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
Interface language: Russian only
Tablet: Absent

Your organization can benefit greatly by achieving cost savings and productivity gains with the highest quality Windows Server OS available. An extensive network of our partners around the world will allow us to create the most optimal solutions.
What's New in Windows Server 2003 R2
Windows Server 2003 R2 enhances the capabilities of the Windows Server 2003 operating system: provides more effective tools for controlling and managing access to local and remote resources; In addition, the tool easily integrates with your existing Windows Server 2003 environment. Windows Server 2003 R2 is a scalable, web-based platform with advanced security capabilities that provides direct compatibility with UNIX systems and offers new scenarios, including simplified management of branch servers, improved identity and access management, and more efficient storage management. Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition and Enterprise Edition offer a new dynamic licensing system to help customers benefit from server virtualization. This article provides an overview of the benefits, new features, and enhancements in Windows Server 2003.
Built on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) with security, reliability, and performance enhancements, the Windows Server 2003 R2 update expands the ability to connect and manage local and remote resources. Organizations will be able to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency through improved management of corporate resources.
Simplified management of branch servers
Windows Server 2003 R2 allows you to gain the performance and availability benefits of an on-premises branch server while avoiding the problems associated with branch server solutions, such as connection limitations and overly complex management.
Increase connectivity and reliability for branch offices and control the total cost of ownership of their IT infrastructure.
More centralized management. Provides centralized management of file and print functions.
Easier remote administration. Minimizes local administration and local backups.
More efficient use of WAN. Accelerates data replication across the global network.
Improved identity and access management
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes Active Directory Federation Services, which are designed to help administrators manage changes to credentials. This will enable organizations to enable more secure sharing of user identity data between different systems. With a simplified password management process, Windows Server 2003 R2 also provides the ability to synchronize UNIX passwords to enable integration between Windows and UNIX servers.
Adds value to your Active Directory environment by providing secure access across organizational and platform boundaries, enabling single identity management for partners and web and UNIX applications.
Increased user productivity. Reduces the number of user passwords for internal and partner-hosted web applications through extranet single sign-on and identity federation.
Improving IT efficiency. Centrally administer access to extranet applications, reduce password resets, and delegate user management to trusted partners.
Increased security. Automatically disable external access based on user account disabling in Active Directory.
Better compliance with regulatory standards. Register user access to partner applications in external security domains.
Improved interaction of heterogeneous systems. Cross-platform Web SSO and identity federation using web service interoperability specifications and tools to help manage and dynamically update accounts and passwords on Windows and UNIX systems using NIS. In addition, passwords are synchronized between Windows and UNIX operating systems.
Reduce storage management costs
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes new tools for centralized visibility, simplified storage planning, provisioning and maintenance, and improved monitoring and reporting.
Enhanced features allow you to better and cost-effectively manage your storage configuration.
Improved storage utilization. Storage reports that provide detailed information about storage usage.
Improved quota management. Monitoring and control of disk space usage.
Improved file blocking. Limiting the file types allowed on the server.
Simple SAN configurations. Convenient configuration and preparation of storage area networks (SAN).
Powerful web platform
With enhancements included in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1), 64-bit editions, Windows SharePoint Services, .NET Framework 2.0, and Internet Information Services 6.0, Windows Server 2003 R2 enables businesses to extend their infrastructure over the Internet with lower management and deployment costs.
A more productive web platform. The latest 64-bit and .NET technologies double web performance.
Windows SharePoint Services is a cost-effective collaboration solution that is fast to deploy, configure, and manage.
ASP.NET allows you to quickly develop powerful Web services and applications that meet the requirements of the Dynamic Systems Initiative using the .NET Framework.
More secure and performant web servers based on IIS 6.0.
Improve performance at low cost with x64 architecture support.
Cost-effective server virtualization
Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition allows you to run an unlimited number of virtual instances of Windows Server on processors, simplifying licensing and reducing the cost of Windows Server for large-scale virtualization. To reduce virtualization costs, Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition (EE) supports running up to four virtual instances of Windows Server 2003 R2 EE on a single licensed physical server or hardware partition.
Increased value from virtualization. Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition and Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition provide more efficient server virtualization. The updated licensing policy allows customers to run an unlimited number of virtual instances of Windows Server on a single licensed physical server or hardware partition with the Datacenter Edition and up to four virtual instances of Windows Server with the Enterprise Edition. Streamlined interoperability between UNIX and Windows
The UNIX interoperability components included in Windows Server 2003 R2 help reduce the cost of integrating UNIX and Windows systems to create a complete solution. Integration of security and directory services, file and printer sharing, and reuse of UNIX code and IT skills across both platforms provide a simpler infrastructure and allow IT staff to centrally manage UNIX and Windows.
Special components included in Windows Server 2003 R2 enable you to integrate UNIX and Windows systems and leverage your existing IT skills.
Cross-platform management. By downloading utilities and SDKs (including shells and SVR-5 utilities), UNIX administrators can manage UNIX and Windows systems using familiar tools, utilities, and scripts. Windows administrators can use familiar Windows commands to manage UNIX systems, users, passwords, and permissions.
UNIX application integration. The UNIX Application Subsystem (SUA) provides source code compatibility for compiling and running UNIX applications on Windows Server 2003 R2. It allows you to use individual components of UNIX applications in a Windows environment (for example, by creating a Windows graphical user interface for an existing UNIX application).
Migration of UNIX applications. The SUA subsystem makes it possible to gradually migrate most UNIX applications by recompiling them and then running them in a Windows environment. Applications can be converted or reprogrammed piece by piece to reduce user downtime and shorten transition times.
Add. Information: Ratio of disks and checksums:
Year of manufacture: 2003
Version: x32 x64
Developer: Microsoft
Vista compatible: Full
System requirements: Processor 1 GHz or more
Memory 1 GB or more (4 GB max)
HDD 16 GB or more
Monitor Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher-resolution monitor
LAN Fast Ethernet
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
Interface language: Russian only
Tablet: Absent
Description: The Windows Server 2003 system is one of the most effective platforms for building an infrastructure of network applications, networks and web services: from the workgroup to the data center. Easier to deploy, manage, and use, Windows Server 2003 enables you to build a more secure IT infrastructure that provides a powerful application platform with the ability to quickly build networking and infrastructure solutions for information technology professionals to enhance their collaboration and enable the ability to collaborate anytime, anywhere.
Your organization can benefit greatly by achieving cost savings and productivity gains with the highest quality Windows Server OS available. An extensive network of our partners around the world will allow us to create the most optimal solutions.
What's New in Windows Server 2003 R2
Windows Server 2003 R2 enhances the capabilities of the Windows Server 2003 operating system: provides more effective tools for controlling and managing access to local and remote resources; In addition, the tool easily integrates with your existing Windows Server 2003 environment. Windows Server 2003 R2 is a scalable, web-based platform with advanced security capabilities that provides direct compatibility with UNIX systems and offers new scenarios, including simplified management of branch servers, improved identity and access management, and more efficient storage management. Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition and Enterprise Edition offer a new dynamic licensing system to help customers benefit from server virtualization. This article provides an overview of the benefits, new features, and enhancements in Windows Server 2003.
Built on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) with security, reliability, and performance enhancements, the Windows Server 2003 R2 update expands the ability to connect and manage local and remote resources. Organizations will be able to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency through improved management of corporate resources.
Simplified management of branch servers
Windows Server 2003 R2 allows you to gain the performance and availability benefits of an on-premises branch server while avoiding the problems associated with branch server solutions, such as connection limitations and overly complex management.
Increase connectivity and reliability for branch offices and control the total cost of ownership of their IT infrastructure.
More centralized management. Provides centralized management of file and print functions.
Easier remote administration. Minimizes local administration and local backups.
More efficient use of WAN. Accelerates data replication across the global network.
Improved identity and access management
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes Active Directory Federation Services, which are designed to help administrators manage changes to credentials. This will enable organizations to enable more secure sharing of user identity data between different systems. With a simplified password management process, Windows Server 2003 R2 also provides the ability to synchronize UNIX passwords to enable integration between Windows and UNIX servers.
Adds value to your Active Directory environment by providing secure access across organizational and platform boundaries, enabling single identity management for partners and web and UNIX applications.
Increased user productivity. Reduces the number of user passwords for internal and partner-hosted web applications through extranet single sign-on and identity federation.
Improving IT efficiency. Centrally administer access to extranet applications, reduce password resets, and delegate user management to trusted partners.
Increased security. Automatically disable external access based on user account disabling in Active Directory.
Better compliance with regulatory standards. Register user access to partner applications in external security domains.
Improved interaction of heterogeneous systems. Cross-platform Web SSO and identity federation using web service interoperability specifications and tools to help manage and dynamically update accounts and passwords on Windows and UNIX systems using NIS. In addition, passwords are synchronized between Windows and UNIX operating systems.
Reduce storage management costs
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes new tools for centralized visibility, simplified storage planning, provisioning and maintenance, and improved monitoring and reporting.
Enhanced features allow you to better and cost-effectively manage your storage configuration.
Improved storage utilization. Storage reports that provide detailed information about storage usage.
Improved quota management. Monitoring and control of disk space usage.
Improved file blocking. Limiting the file types allowed on the server.
Simple SAN configurations. Convenient configuration and preparation of storage area networks (SAN).
Powerful web platform
With enhancements included in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1), 64-bit editions, Windows SharePoint Services, .NET Framework 2.0, and Internet Information Services 6.0, Windows Server 2003 R2 enables businesses to extend their infrastructure over the Internet with lower management and deployment costs.
A more productive web platform. The latest 64-bit and .NET technologies double web performance.
Windows SharePoint Services is a cost-effective collaboration solution that is fast to deploy, configure, and manage.
ASP.NET allows you to quickly develop powerful Web services and applications that meet the requirements of the Dynamic Systems Initiative using the .NET Framework.
More secure and performant web servers based on IIS 6.0.
Improve performance at low cost with x64 architecture support.
Cost-effective server virtualization
Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition allows you to run an unlimited number of virtual instances of Windows Server on processors, simplifying licensing and reducing the cost of Windows Server for large-scale virtualization. To reduce virtualization costs, Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition (EE) supports running up to four virtual instances of Windows Server 2003 R2 EE on a single licensed physical server or hardware partition.
Increased value from virtualization. Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition and Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition provide more efficient server virtualization. The updated licensing policy allows customers to run an unlimited number of virtual instances of Windows Server on a single licensed physical server or hardware partition with the Datacenter Edition and up to four virtual instances of Windows Server with the Enterprise Edition. Streamlined interoperability between UNIX and Windows
The UNIX interoperability components included in Windows Server 2003 R2 help reduce the cost of integrating UNIX and Windows systems to create a complete solution. Integration of security and directory services, file and printer sharing, and reuse of UNIX code and IT skills across both platforms provide a simpler infrastructure and allow IT staff to centrally manage UNIX and Windows.
Special components included in Windows Server 2003 R2 enable you to integrate UNIX and Windows systems and leverage your existing IT skills.
Cross-platform management. By downloading utilities and SDKs (including shells and SVR-5 utilities), UNIX administrators can manage UNIX and Windows systems using familiar tools, utilities, and scripts. Windows administrators can use familiar Windows commands to manage UNIX systems, users, passwords, and permissions.
UNIX application integration. The UNIX Application Subsystem (SUA) provides source code compatibility for compiling and running UNIX applications on Windows Server 2003 R2. It allows you to use individual components of UNIX applications in a Windows environment (for example, by creating a Windows graphical user interface for an existing UNIX application).
Migration of UNIX applications. The SUA subsystem makes it possible to gradually migrate most UNIX applications by recompiling them and then running them in a Windows environment. Applications can be converted or reprogrammed piece by piece to reduce user downtime and shorten transition times.

Introduction and some facts While the entire global IT community awaits the release of the long-awaited Windows 2003 operating system, we will lift the curtain on what exactly this product is, what delivery options it has, and what components it contains. There is nothing special to invent here, so I compiled this material based on information received from Microsoft itself (press release from the Russian representative office), as well as thanks to the work of Paul Tarrott, the leading site Winsupersite.com, who systematized in a table some of the possibilities of various delivery options for the Windows system Server 2003. So, let's get started...

On March 28, 2003, Microsoft announced the start of replication of Windows Server. Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is an integrated server platform that allows customers to increase the efficiency of their IT infrastructure by 30 percent. The new OS successfully passed a serious test using a new testing program, which included a thorough line-by-line audit of the system code. This OS has a number of functions that provide increased reliability and security of the product. The new server platform is already widely supported by partners: by the time Windows Server 2003 is officially released, scheduled for April 24, 2003, more than 70,000 Microsoft partners will be ready to promote, implement and maintain this system. More than 550,000 customers - the most big number in the history of Microsoft server operating systems - took part in the system preliminary testing program.

"Our challenge was to create a system that would provide unparalleled quality and performance, a system that would perfectly meet the needs of any size company," said Bill Veghte, division vice president. "Preview participants confirm that Windows Server 2003 meets their expectations by delivering lower total cost of ownership, superior performance and reliability. The quality of the Windows Server 2003 server operating system is largely due to the contributions made by our partners and customers."

30% increase in IT infrastructure efficiency

Windows Server 2003 offers improved scalability, reliability, security, and manageability. These qualities, combined with a number of innovative technical solutions used to create this OS, allow customers to significantly reduce costs and increase productivity. Below are some of the results that have been achieved for customers who are already using this system.

Consolidation: the total number of servers can be reduced by 20-30%.

Performance: Up to 2x faster performance under any workload.

Maintenance: 20% reduction in overall maintenance costs.

Productivity: 35% of customers were able to free up IT staff to work on more important projects.

Implementation: Implementation costs are 35% lower than Windows NT Server 4.0.

Windows NT Server 4.0 users will especially benefit from migrating to Windows Server 2003, with up to 100 times more scalability and 10 times lower transaction costs than Windows NT Server 4.0. Additionally, these users will benefit from a 40% increase in stability thanks to a robust driver model, as well as system recovery features designed to ensure maximum system performance.

"We are building a reliable, automated system that is secure, stable and manageable," said Ron Brahm, Global Infrastructure program manager for GE Medical Systems. "By moving to Windows Server 2003, we will be able to centrally manage our system and give ourselves greater flexibility."

High performance on any task

The high performance and scalability of Windows Server 2003 allows you to use this system to solve any server tasks: it can be used to support the operation of a database server, application server, Web server, file server, print server, directory service or terminal service. Recent benchmark results, including the widely acclaimed Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) TPC-C, TPC-H, and TPC-W tests, have demonstrated that the combination of Windows Server 2003 and SQL Server 2000 outperforms all competitors.

The 64-bit version of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition, also announced on March 28, 2003, provides even greater scalability and performance. The 64-bit version of SQL Server 2000 was designed to support memory-intensive, high-performance applications running on 64-bit Windows Server 2003. This version provides particularly high performance on 64-processor systems based on Intel Itanium 2 processors.

The highest quality Windows server OS

As part of the program to create secure information systems Microsoft spent nearly $200 million to train 13,000 of its employees in new security-focused development technologies, new processes, and full line-by-line development. Windows analysis Server 2003 from a security point of view. Thus, a highly secure system was created.

“Having personally been involved in the development of every version of Windows Server, I can say that it is the most secure, reliable and performant server OS we have ever created,” said Dave Thompson, vice president of the Windows Server Products group. "Microsoft Corporation. "The reliability and performance of Windows Server 2003 was tested through an unprecedentedly extensive pre-production testing program. It was a long but productive process, and I am very proud of all the people involved in creating this great product."

Throughout the development process, Microsoft continually relied on a large number of independent testers and companies participating in the pre-production testing program. User communities created within the framework of the Joint Development Program, Customer Preview Program and Rapid Adoption Program were also involved in organizing a fruitful dialogue between developers and customers. In addition, Microsoft pioneered the use of the innovative Enterprise Engineering Center (EEC) program, which provides hands-on testing across heterogeneous customer systems.

Windows Media 9, included with Windows Server 2003, is now used to support a number of large Web sites and subscription services. Pre-release versions of this server platform have already delivered more than 300 terabytes of news, sports information, music and video to users.

The release of the Windows Server 2003 code masters marks the end of a three-year development cycle that involved more than 5,000 people and produced more than 650 innovative technology solutions.

Official presentation of Windows Server 2003

Microsoft plans to make the official announcement of the release of Windows Server 2003, Visual Studio .NET 2003 and SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition (64-bit) on April 24, 2003 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Visual Studio .NET 2003, combined with Windows Server 2003, provides a robust platform for quickly building trouble-free, scalable networking solutions.

Delivery options and approximate prices

The Windows Server family includes the following systems:

Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition;

Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition for 64-bit Itanium 2-based systems;

Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition;

Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium 2-based systems;

Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition;

Windows Server 2003 Web Edition;

Windows Small Business Server 2003 (planned for release in the third quarter of 2003).

Comparison of different Windows Server 2003 options

Component or Feature	Web	Standard	Enterprise	Datacenter	Enterprise 64bit	Datacenter 64 bit
Compatible with 32-bit Intel x86 systems	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compatible with 64-bit Itanium systems					Yes	Yes
Maximum number of CPUs	2	4	8	32	8	64

Maximum amount of RAM	2 GB	4 GB	32 GB	64 GB	64 GB	512 GB
Hot add memory support			Yes	Yes
NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) support			Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Distributed File System (DFS)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Encrypting File System (EFS)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shadow Copy Restore (Win 2000 or Win XP client required)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Support for removable and remote data storage		Replaceable only	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fax services		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Services for Macintosh		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

IntelliMirror Technologies	Partially	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Group Policy Results	Partially	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Command line Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Support for remote installation from an image	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Remote Installation Services (RIS)		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Windows System Resource Manager (WSRM)		Yes	Yes		Yes

Can act as an Active Directory member server	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can act as Active Directory domain controller (DC)		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Metadirectory Services (MMS) support			Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF)	Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Certificate Services, Smart Card support	Partially	Partially	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Includes Terminal Server		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Includes Terminal Server Session Directory			Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Administration via Remote Desktop	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) support	Partially	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maximum number of VPN clients	1	1000	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Internet Authentication Service (IAS)		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Network bridging support		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)		Yes	Yes		Yes
IPv6 support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Network Load Balancing (NLB)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cluster Service			Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maximum number of cluster nodes			8	8	8	8

Includes .NET Framework	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Default IIS installation	Yes
Includes ASP.NET	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Enterprise UDDI Services		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Includes Windows Media Services 9 Series		Yes	Yes	Yes

And now - approximate prices for various system options:

Windows Server 2003 Pricing

Connectors Price in US$Description
Windows Server 2003, External Connector License $1.999 ** Optional additional server license for external Windows users Server 2003
Windows Server 2003, Terminal Server External Connector License $7.999 ** Optional additional server license for external users of Windows Server 2003 Terminal Server

* - Windows Server 2003, Web Edition: the system will not be available in mass quantities, to purchase this version you will need to contact your local System Builder, OEM supplier or reseller to find out the details of the purchase.

** - Available only under the Volume Licensing program. For details, contact your local Microsoft product reseller.

Prospects for 64-bit platforms

Windows XP 64-bit Edition Version 2003 desktop operating system provides support for workstations based on the Intel Itanium 2 processor.

Microsoft also announced on March 28, 2003 the launch of the 64-bit Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 operating system. This OS is optimized to work with Intel Itanium 2 processors and allows customers to take full advantage of these high-performance chips.

Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 is a high-performance desktop platform that supports a new generation of powerful Windows applications built on Itanium 2 processors. The new OS is aimed at users who perform complex scientific calculations, work with high-performance design and engineering applications, and create 3D animation and video.

"We are committed to expanding support for 64-bit desktop systems," said Brian Valentine, senior vice president of Windows Products at Microsoft. "Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 will allow customers to use one and the same platform to run both complex technical applications and a wide range of Windows office software."

Windows 64-bit architecture allows developers to build 64-bit applications using well-established Windows programming techniques, reducing the time it takes to develop applications that take advantage of the 64-bit platform. Collaboration between Microsoft and Intel in the field of 64-bit systems began in 1996. In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP 64-bit Edition, a 64-bit desktop OS with support for first-generation Itanium processors.

The new OS was released alongside a number of products in the Windows Server 2003 family, including Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition and Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for 64-bit Itanium 2-based systems. Microsoft plans to make an official announcement about these products on April 24 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Developers can obtain Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 now through MSDN. Users will be able to purchase the new OS through PC manufacturers starting in the second quarter of this year.

Conclusion

Here is a brief presentation of the system from those who developed and tested it. I think the final opinion about the system will be formed later, but I would still like to point out one fact: the long process of creating Windows Server 2003 is determined primarily by its careful “running in”, catching and correcting found errors, inconsistencies and “loopholes” in the security system . I personally used the actually working current (at that time) beta version of the Windows Server 2003 platform back in November 2001! So you can imagine how much time the product was tested and perfected...

Today, alternatives to Windows for enterprise servers continue to gain market share, with Linux leading the way. However, the fact is that many users still stick with Windows for network applications, as a familiar (and often not so loved) companion.

In fact, many users have already connected two or more Windows computers to a network. This happens, say, when you need to provide public Internet access through a DSL router. Therefore, many users are already familiar with simple tasks such as sharing a directory, printer, or Internet connection.

However, the colorful Windows shell is not always as easy to configure as it might seem at first. Once you move from simply using a feature to offering it over the web, there are a lot of pitfalls that you just need to be aware of. Today, the most powerful server tool in the Microsoft world is Windows Server 2003, which comes in three flavors (Web, Standard and Enterprise).

We purchased a disk with a standard version of Windows Server 2003 and prepared to do all the basic work of deploying the network. Throughout this article, we will pay particular attention to the implementation of Active Directory, since this directory service is essential for many high-level server applications, including server Email Exchange 2003.

What to make the server on? Server hardware

A server does not always have to have two Xeon processors with expensive ECC memory and 64-bit PCI-X slots, as shown in the illustration. For a home or small office, a Pentium 4 or Athlon server with sufficient memory and a RAID array to protect against hard drive failure is sufficient.

In principle, any computer can operate as a Windows server provided that it meets the minimum requirements. At the same time, the tasks performed impose their own specific requirements. For example, database or mail servers are very sensitive to RAM, so the server must be equipped with a considerable amount of it. For a file server, performance and hard disk space are important.

If some users do not spare money and can afford machines with four Itanium, Opteron or Xeon processors due to the requirements of some specific applications, then systems with one and two processors are most common in the server market. Today, AMD Opteron processors are gradually gaining popularity, although the most common choice for small servers is Intel Xeon.

Xeon and Pentium 4 processors have a lot in common, so for a single-processor server, we recommend the Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading Technology because it delivers high performance and is supported by many proven platforms. AMD doesn't look so good here, as this chip is designed primarily for multimedia tasks. If in doubt, we recommend getting the lower-end Opteron model, as it performs on par with, and sometimes even better than, relatively expensive Intel processors, while also providing support for 64-bit computing.

Depending on the importance of continuous operation of the server, we recommend purchasing a UPS uninterruptible power supply, an additional power supply for redundancy, and also equipping the server with a RAID array.

In addition, the server's network interfaces should be mentioned. If the computer will work inside local network, then for most cases one network controller will be sufficient. In any case, today we recommend taking a gigabit controller, which, by the way, is already integrated into many motherboards. If the server will also provide Internet access, then you will need a second network controller.

Installing Windows 2003 Server: Preparations

Any administrator who frequently installs Windows (and the second time is not so fun) should have a CD with the latest integrated Service Pack on hand. Instructions for integration can be found, for example, in the file winhelpline.info.

In principle, the installation CD can be supplemented with the latest drivers and modified so that the system installs itself, with virtually no user intervention. However, this approach makes sense only in certain conditions, because drivers change quickly, and new Windows updates appear too often. Therefore, the game is not worth the candle.

At the same time, the Service Pack can be integrated into the Windows distribution in a matter of minutes. SP rarely comes out, so we strongly recommend doing this operation.

Let's Get Started: Windows Server 2003 Options

Of course, creating multiple partitions does not provide protection against hardware failures, and this approach somewhat limits the system's flexibility when free space runs out. At the same time, it is better to separate data storages, both from the point of view of software problems and security. Therefore, we recommend creating the following sections:

systemic;
for the swap file (swap);
user data;

Windows itself, along with all the necessary services, takes up less than 2 GB. Therefore, a system partition of 10 GB will be more than enough. Of course, for reliability, you can make it larger, especially if you will place the swap file on the system partition.

If this is not the case, then it is better to create a partition for the swap file first (2-4 GB is usually enough), since hard drives always write data starting from the outer tracks to the inner ones, so they slow down in this direction as the linear speed of the disk decreases .

The size of the partition for user data depends on many factors: how many users will store their data on the server, and what type of data it is.

Basic Windows 2003 settings

The first thing we did was return Windows to its usual appearance by selecting the classic menu. In our experience, most users prefer to work with the old menu. To do this, you need to right-click on the taskbar. Then select “Properties” and go to the Start Menu tab, where the desired option is present.

Then you need to customize the menu (by pressing the "Customize" key) to automatically open network connections and control panel options. We will skip personal menu settings, since they would be more of a disadvantage on the server.

To simplify server management, it is better to consolidate temporary files into one folder. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon, select "Properties", then go to the Advanced tab, click on the "Environment Variables" button - and now as a directory for temporary files (under the TMP and TEMP variables) you You can enter any one you wish. Now all temporary files will accumulate in it, which can be deleted as necessary.

It is best to set the paging file to a fixed size because it may become fragmented if the size changes. On the same Advanced tab, select the “Performance”, “Settings” button.

The delay when opening a submenu can get on your nerves. To get rid of it, we need a registry editor. Run the regedit.exe command. Then find the desired branch and parameter and enter the correct value as in the screenshot (see above).

In server-based systems, we have to manually manage everything that happens and when it happens. Automatic Windows Update runs counter to this philosophy, as Microsoft patches sometimes have a negative effect. Therefore, it is better to confirm automatic updates manually.

For server systems, visual effects are unlikely to be considered useful, so they should be disabled. Right-click on the desktop, then select Properties, Appearance and Effects. Turn off everything you can live without.

There, in the Settings tab and the Advanced item, you should change the resolution and refresh rate. In this case, we must take into account which monitor is connected to the server. Very old monitors do not support refresh rates above 60 Hz.

Setting up Internet Explorer

Security holes in Internet Explorer regularly bring surprises. For servers, it is better to apply the following rule: launch the browser only when necessary. Never go online without a firewall and antivirus protection.

Let's start by changing the Internet Explorer temporary directory (Tools, Internet Options, Setting for Temporary Internet files). Because the subdirectory for Internet Explorer files is created automatically, the browser has no way to access temporary system files. We usually limit the maximum size of this directory. By default, Internet Explorer caches so many files that it's like there's no tomorrow. However, for our needs, a few megabytes will be enough.

Internet Explorer security settings should be set to high.

...or maybe another browser: Mozilla Firefox 0.9

Firefox is emerging as a good alternative to Internet Explorer because it is small, fast and powerful without many security holes. In addition, it is safer for the reason that it is used much less frequently than Internet Explorer. Consequently, hackers are less interested in it.

The multi-function input bar in Firefox is really useful. You can download plugins that allow you to search directly on eBay, Amazon or Google. The choice is huge.

Windows 2003 Network Interface Configuration

Server systems often use multiple network cards, so it is better to change the standard interface names assigned by Windows to more understandable ones. In our example, only the network controller built into the board is available.

In the properties of the network adapter (Properties), which are displayed when you right-click, you can make all the necessary settings. Windows likes to install the QoS (quality of service) service, but on small networks it is hardly useful. By the way, don’t forget to check the box at the bottom of the dialog so that the connection icons are always visible on the taskbar.

Among other things, you can get all the necessary information about the network interface configuration.

Since we are installing a server, it must be reachable with the correct IP address. On a local network this is not so important, since you can always reach a computer by its name. But, as soon as it comes to providing services on the Internet (VPN, terminal services, FTP...), there must be a real IP address for the router.

We specified the IP address of our DSL router as the default gateway, since the server must have access to the Internet. We also specified the router as the DNS server.

Active Directory Deployment

The Active Directory (AD) directory service in Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 contains information about all the resources needed to run a network. It includes connections, applications, databases, printers, users, and groups. Microsoft is very specific that Active Directory provides a standard way to specify, describe, manage, and access resources.

Active Directory is not installed by default because it is not required for simple server tasks. But as the server begins to handle more and more tasks, AD becomes more and more important. Additional components, such as Microsoft's Exchange Server, for example, require a fully functional Active Directory.

The dcpromo command allows you to turn a regular server into an Active Directory controller. The process takes about ten minutes, and we will briefly describe it here.

We assume that there are no other servers on your network and therefore we need a controller for the new Active Directory infrastructure.

After this, we must determine whether the new AD domain will be integrated into the existing system.

Active Directory uses its own database to work with information most efficiently. Because your environment can quickly grow and the server can receive additional tasks, it is best to place databases and log files on a separate hard drive to maximize system performance.

The SYSVOL folder is another feature of Active Directory because its contents are duplicated by all Active Directory controllers in the domain. It contains login scripts, group policies and other options that should be available on all servers. Of course, the location of this folder can be changed.

This option will only be important if you have Windows computers NT with domain structure.

During installation, the AD wizard will complain that the DNS servers are not running. Therefore, it is necessary to install it too.

Setting up a DNS server

The DNS (Domain Name Service) system is the Achilles heel of the Active Directory structure. Since network communications are carried out by name for accessibility purposes (say, www.thg.ru), there must be a system for converting names to IP addresses - and vice versa. Forward requests convert the name to an IP address, and reverse requests convert the IP address to a name.

Installing a DNS server is quick (illustration above), although it usually doesn’t work right away.

This is how a reverse request works. Source: Microsoft

It's quite important to add a Reverse Lookup Zone. The DNS server will then be able to provide names based on IP addresses.

For our needs, we will need a primary zone, since we want to fully serve the local network with this DNS server. It is important to select the Active Directory integration option at the bottom of the window.

Of course, we need to enter the address space for the local network. In this case, the network ID will be 192.168.1.x. The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, and the network can contain 254 computers. This amount will be enough for a home or small office. Switching to the mask 255.255.0.0 will increase the number of computers to 64,516.

We only need secure dynamic zone updates. Manual updates take too much effort.

Once confirmed, a reverse conversion zone will be created.

Finally, we will need a PTR record for our subnet 192.168.1.0.

Here you need to set the fully qualified domain name of the server. In our case it will be testserver.testdomain.com.

The best way to verify that DNS is configured correctly is with nslookup and ping utilities. Since we plan to also access the Internet, we need to inform the DNS server how to resolve requests for other names.

For simplicity, we simply entered the IP address of our DSL router as the DNS forwarder. Our server will automatically redirect requests to DNS server provider.

10 Tips for Keeping Active Directory Security

Download and read the Windows Server 2003 Security Guide

made publicly available by Microsoft is designed to help administrators take additional measures to protect their Windows servers. From creating a member server baseline policy (MSBP) and domain controller hardening mechanisms to threat screening and countermeasures, this guide is an important and effective tool that every Windows administrator should have in their arsenal.

The Windows Server 2003 operating system from Microsoft is a simple and effective solution for maintaining servers. A lot of time has passed since the release and, over such a long period of time, a huge amount of optimization work has been done. Provides the much-needed combination of high performance and reliability for users. Security, scalability, and some other requirements are met.

Server roles

There is support for a large number of server roles in centralized or distributed mode. Such a moment depends on requests from the client. The main server OS roles should be listed:

Mail server;
Terminal Server;
Remote access server and VPN;
File server and print server;
Web server and Internet application services;
Media Streaming Server;
WINS server.

Benefits of Windows Server 2003

The key advantages of this system have already been discussed. You need to list the main points.

Reliability

To achieve high quality work in any situation and no failures, the following are used:

The infrastructure is accessible and highly scalable;
There is a software platform with application server functionality;
The environment of information workers whose task is to achieve high protection information.

Performance

Administrators can enjoy a number of system enhancements that make management easier and more efficient. The increase in productivity was achieved due to the following factors:

It is possible to customize it to suit the needs of a specific consumer;
Process automation techniques are actively used;
Support costs are reduced, and users themselves have expanded opportunities for independent activities.

Providing communications

Emphasis is placed on communication between employees, partners, and customers. To achieve the objectives, the following capabilities are used:

You can quickly create web sites on the network using built-in tools;
Simplified control of web services using embedded systems;
XML Services provides numerous tools for connecting to back-end applications.

Economical

The use of Windows Server 2003 assumes the fastest payback as a result of the following factors:

Available technologies can be quickly put into operation;
Ease of server consolidation;
Reduced total cost of ownership.

Key technologies of Windows Server 2003

An older product from Microsoft was used as the basis for the development of this OS - Windows 2000 Server. Everything was taken into account strengths that ensured popularity. The key advantages and means of achieving them have already been discussed above. Now we should note their components.

Reliability

Provides the ability to work in various situations without failure. Reliability is ensured by a combination of the following factors:

Availability. An advanced clustering support system is used. You can configure it based on specific requests. It is possible to switch to backup resources during operation. This should be considered with a specific example. When during operation one of the cluster nodes becomes unavailable, a transition occurs to another. This approach guarantees effective network load balancing.
Scalability. If we compare with its predecessor, we can note an increase in productivity of almost one and a half times. Provides support for 32 and 64-bit processors.
Safety. The OS guarantees its users protection from a wide variety of influences. Even the initial version was distinguished by its high security, which only increased with each new patch.

Performance

Print services and document management. The larger the company, the more difficult it is to establish effective messaging between its employees or departments. The developers of Windows Server 2003 took this point into account. They offer simple and effective solutions to optimize this process.
Active Directory. It is a directory service responsible for storing information about network objects. When a search is carried out, the results are returned in a structured form that is easy to understand. There is considerable flexibility in catalog design.
Management service. Automation can be called one of the main means of reducing the cost of service. It allows you to optimize processes at the expense of minimal costs.
Storage management. A large number of functions have been developed that allow for convenient maintenance of existing data.
Terminal Services. With their help it is allowed to use Windows programs on almost all devices, even those that are not designed to run this OS.

Providing communications

The ability to communicate within an organization, as well as work with clients or partners via the network, is one of the main requirements. This request is achieved as a result of the following points:

IIS XML Web Services 6.0. Used by administrators and web application creators. It is a well-managed platform with high operational reliability.
Communication and connection. Allows you to connect from anywhere and from every device. This versatility has a positive effect on the ease of doing business.
UDDI Services. A great tool for developers and administrators. Provides the ability to create internal network organizations based on specific requests.

Saving money

When purchasing Windows Server 2003, a company receives a stable platform that can be customized to meet specific client requests. Microsoft software products are the most popular in the world and this has its advantages:

A huge number of developers around the world create various software specifically for this operating system.
There are many specialists capable of professionally maintaining the OS
For all interested people there is the possibility of training and obtaining certificates
For any equipment, the manufacturer will always release drivers for Windows Server 2003

All this allows you to reduce maintenance costs and make ownership as profitable as possible.

Additional components

There are special components for Windows Server 2003 that come free of charge. Their task should be called increasing the performance of the entire system, as well as providing other properties useful for operation. The following is a list of the most famous packages:

Automated Deployment Services. Used in cases where it is necessary to serve large companies. It provides the ability to manage several hundred servers due to the availability of simple solutions and convenient functionality.
Identity Integration Feature Pack. The main goal is to reduce the cost of monitoring identification information.
Windows Rights Management. Provides for the protection of information when conducting business with programs that support RMS protection. With this service, you can seriously increase the security of your organization, as well as install the necessary settings.
Windows SharePoint Services. Used to create web sites through which information will be exchanged. This greatly simplifies the ability to collaborate with documents.

What does Windows Server 2003 include?

The Windows Server 2003 operating system has a wide variety of options available to users. Depending on your requests, you need to purchase a specific package. More attention needs to be paid to available software products.

Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition

This option should be called classic and the simplest. It is necessary in cases where no special conditions are imposed in the process of conducting business. There are certain advantages:

Shared access to documents and printers
High level of protection when connecting to the Internet
Centralized deployment of multiple programs available

Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard x64 Edition

This package is considered similar to the previous one, with the exception of its x64 orientation. It has similar benefits in its operation as the previous version.

Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition

The developers created this package specifically for those cases where there are serious loads and it is critical to ensure the stability of the system under such conditions. Regardless of the situation, high performance is guaranteed. There are certain advantages:

Supports up to eight processors
Features for corporations to support large numbers of workstations
Supports shared memory up to 64 GB

Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition

It is an extension of the previous package. Provides stable operation under heavy loads and has excellent performance. The following advantages make the system especially valuable to users:

Full functionality without restrictions with support for up to eight processors simultaneously
It is possible to work on devices with AMD Opteron and Athlon 64, Intel Xeon, and Pentium 4 processors
Enterprise features and support for up to 1 terabyte of total memory

Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems

Designed for devices equipped with an Itanium processor. The main qualities include scalability and reliability during operation. The following advantages can be highlighted separately:

Full and unlimited functionality of the system
Supports up to eight Itanium processors
Enterprise-class functionality
Supports memory up to 1 terabyte
We can talk about increased accessibility due to the presence of the MCA function

Windows Server 2003 R2 DataCenter Edition

It is recommended to use the package in situations where work with the highest level of scalability is required. This platform is the optimal choice for data centers of any size. There are a number of advantages to note:

The most powerful system ever Windows Server 2003
Supports SMP architecture and works with version 32
High clustering
Simplifying system monitoring during maintenance

Windows Server 2003 DataCenter x64 Edition

The difference from the previous package is that there is x64 support. Everything else is provided highest level reliability and similar benefits. Great for situations where you need to support a huge number of servers.

Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition for Itanium-based Systems

The package was developed by Microsoft specialists specifically to work on Itanium-type processors. Uninterrupted and stable operation of data centers, along with support and services, is guaranteed. Several important features can be noted:

The most powerful solution available in its class
Ability to work with devices with 128 processors
Total memory supported is approximately 1 terabyte
Clustering with nine nodes is considered a common feature

Windows Server 2003 Web Edition

Separate software, whose main task is to work with web services and web hosting. It is necessary to separately mention the presence of some advantages:

A proprietary platform that allows you to create and host applications, web pages or services.
The main purpose is to use IIS 6.0 as a web server
Allows rapid development and deployment of XML, as well as programs running in accordance with ASP.NET technology

Windows Small Business Server 2003

As practice shows, for small businesses there is no need to implement significant functionality. In this case, most of it remains unused, which only increases costs. It is for this reason that a very effective approach is used - cutting down the functionality to the required minimum. This makes it possible to ensure an attractive cost for such a solution and a quick payback.

In turn, the package is divided into two classes - standard and advanced. They deserve special attention:

Standard Edition. A classic set for small businesses that takes into account all the requests of such organizations.
Premium Edition. The functionality is expanded and certain features have been added to it, which is required in some situations.