About the Authors
After many successful years in the computer industry and a degree in computer programming, Will decided that he could better use his talents and his personality as an instructor. He began teaching for schools such as Boston University, Clark University, and the University of Maryland, just to name a few. He has done consulting and training work for some of the biggest government and corporate companies in the world including the U.S. Secret Service, Cisco, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Army.
In January 2015, Will is now teaching for StormWind (www.stormwind.com). He currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and two daughters. Will was also a Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2010 to 2012. In his spare time, he likes to golf, ski, shoot, and go snowmobiling. Will is also a commercially rated helicopter pilot.
Michael Allen Rice holds these certifications: MCP, MCTS, MCSA, MCSE, MCITP, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, VMware Certified Professional 5 – DCV, and NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator 7-mode.
Michael currently works as a Data Center Administrator for Intelligent Software Solutions, Inc., based in Colorado Springs. He lives there with his wife and two children. He specializes in leading the way for corporate infrastructure in the areas of virtualization, storage, and systems administration. Over the past decade as an IT professional, Michael has received numerous awards for his outstanding performance and dedication to excellence within the IT community.
Winston McMiller holds these certifications: MCP, MCP+I, MCSA, MCSE 2000, 2003, 2012/2012 R2, and ITIL. Winston is a Microsoft Premier Field Engineer.
After 18 years in the computer industry and a degree in information technology, Winston has done consulting and training for some of the largest companies in the world including General Electric, HP Enterprise services, Chrysler, and IBM.
He currently lives in the Seattle area. In his spare time, he likes to ski, do photography, and travel. He is an avid audiophile and songwriter.
Jeff Stokes holds these certifications: MCT, MCSA, MCSE 2003, and MCTS: Windows Internals. Jeff Stokes runs @WindowsPerf, a Windows Performance social networking property. He is a frequent guest on RunAsRadio and an avid blogger.
As a previous Premier Field Engineer at Microsoft, Jeff has worked in the Fortune 1000 space for the last eight years. After 21 years in the IT field, Jeff has established himself as a performance SME and a VDI pioneer in Microsoft technologies, including Windows optimization as a VDI guest. His work appears in VDI optimization guidance papers from Microsoft and other parties.
He currently lives in the Atlanta area. In his spare time, he analyzes performance traces, games, and mentors others in the IT field.
Introduction
This book is drawn from more than 20 years of IT experience. I have taken that experience and translated it into a Windows Server 2012 R2 book that will help you not only prepare for the MCSA: Windows Server 2012 R2 exams but also develop a clear understanding of how to install and configure Windows Server 2012 R2 while avoiding all of the possible configuration pitfalls.
Many Microsoft books just explain the Windows operating system, but with MCSA: Windows Server 2012 R2 Complete Study Guide, I go a step further by providing many in-depth, step-by-step procedures to support my explanations of how the operating system performs at its best.
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 is the newest version of Microsoft’s server operating system software. Microsoft has taken the best of Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012 and combined them into the latest creation, Windows Server 2012 R2.
Windows Server 2012 R2 eliminates many of the problems that plagued the previous versions of Windows Server, and it includes a much faster boot time and shutdown. It is also easier to install and configure, and it barely stops to ask the user any questions during installation. In this book, I will show you what features are installed during the automated installation and where you can make changes if you need to be more in charge of your operating system and its features.
This book takes you through all the ins and outs of Windows Server 2012 R2, including installation, configuration, Group Policy Objects, auditing, backups, and so much more.
Windows Server 2012 R2 has improved on Microsoft’s desktop environment, made networking easier, enhanced searching capability, and improved performance – and that’s only scratching the surface.
When all is said and done, this is a technical book for IT professionals who want to take Windows Server 2012 R2 to the next step and get certified. With this book, not only will you learn Windows Server 2012 R2 and ideally pass the exams, you will also become a Windows Server 2012 R2 expert.
The Microsoft Certification Program
Since the inception of its certification program, Microsoft has certified more than 2 million people. As the computer network industry continues to increase in both size and complexity, this number is sure to grow – and the need for proven ability will also increase. Certifications can help companies verify the skills of prospective employees and contractors.
The Microsoft certification tracks for Windows Server 2012 R2 include the following:
MCSA: Windows Server 2012 R2 The MCSA is now the lowest-level certification you can achieve with Microsoft in relation to Windows Server 2012 R2. It requires passing three exams: 70-410, 70-411, and 70-412. Or, if you qualify, you can take the Upgrading exam: exam 70-417. This book assists in your preparation for all four exams.
MCSE: Server Infrastructure or MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure The MCSE certifications, in relation to Windows Server 2012 R2, require that you become an MCSA first and then pass two additional exams. The additional exams will vary depending on which of the two MCSE tracks you choose. For more information, visit Microsoft’s website at www.microsoft.com/learning.
MCSM: Directory Services The MCSM certification takes things to an entirely new level. It requires passing a knowledge exam (in addition to having the MCSE in Windows Server 2012 R2) and a lab exam. This is now the elite-level certification in Windows Server 2012 R2.
How Do You Become Certified on Windows Server 2012 R2?
Attaining Microsoft certification has always been a challenge. In the past, students have been able to acquire detailed exam information – even most of the exam questions – from online “brain dumps” and third-party “cram” books or software products. For the new generation of exams, this is simply not the case.
Microsoft has taken strong steps to protect the security and integrity of its new certification tracks. Now prospective candidates must complete a course of study that develops detailed knowledge about a wide range of topics. It supplies them with the true skills needed, derived from working with the technology being tested.
The new generations of Microsoft certification programs are heavily weighted toward hands-on skills and experience. It is recommended that candidates have troubleshooting skills acquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge.
Fortunately, if you are willing to dedicate the time and effort to learn Windows Server 2012 R2, you can prepare yourself well for the exam by using the proper tools. By working through this book, you can successfully meet the requirements to pass the Windows Server 2012 R2 exams.
MCSA Exam Requirements
Candidates for MCSA certification on Windows Server 2012 R2 must pass at least the following three