Windows Server Training in Kalamazoo, MI

What is Windows Server

Microsoft Windows Server is a series of server operating systems developed by Microsoft. It is designed to provide robust solutions for businesses, organizations, and enterprises to manage and deploy server environments. These operating systems are optimized for running networked applications, hosting websites, managing user access, and providing data storage. Unlike standard desktop versions of Windows, Windows Server is tailored to support the needs of IT administrators and enterprise networks.

Key Features of Windows Server:

• Active Directory: A centralized directory service for managing user accounts, groups, permissions, and devices across a network.
• Hyper-V: A built-in virtualization platform allowing organizations to create and manage virtual machines, reducing the need for physical servers.
• File and Storage Services: Efficient data storage management, including support for Storage Spaces and SMB (Server Message Block) protocols.
• Networking: Advanced features like DNS, DHCP, VPN, and load balancing to optimize network operations.
• Web Hosting: Includes Internet Information Services (IIS) for hosting websites and web applications.
• Remote Desktop Services (RDS): Allows users to access desktops and applications remotely.
• Security: Built-in tools like Windows Defender, BitLocker, and Just Enough Administration (JEA) for enhanced protection.
• Windows Admin Center: A modern management tool for controlling servers through a web-based interface.
• Cluster Support: High availability and disaster recovery features such as failover clustering.
• Containers: Support for Docker containers and Kubernetes for modern application deployment.

Use Cases:

• Hosting websites and applications.
• Managing databases.
• Running enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Acting as a file server for businesses.
• Supporting cloud-based and hybrid environments.

Popular Versions:

• Windows Server 2016: Introduced features like Nano Server and enhanced security.
• Windows Server 2019: Added hybrid cloud features and Kubernetes support.
• Windows Server 2022: Focused on security, hybrid cloud, and enhanced container capabilities.

Windows Server integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Azure, making it ideal for hybrid cloud environments. It supports a wide range of industries and IT scenarios, providing flexibility and scalability to meet diverse organizational needs.

Microsoft Windows Server Certifications in 2024

As of November 2024, Microsoft offers the following certification for professionals specializing in Windows Server:

Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate

This certification is designed for IT professionals responsible for configuring and managing Windows Server environments across on-premises, hybrid, and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platforms. Candidates are expected to integrate Windows Server environments with Azure services and manage Windows Server in on-premises networks. The certification requires passing two exams:

1. Exam AZ-800: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure
   • Focuses on deploying and managing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in both on-premises and cloud environments, managing Windows Servers and workloads in a hybrid environment, managing virtual machines and containers, implementing and managing networking infrastructure, and managing storage and file services.
2. Exam AZ-801: Configuring Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services
   • Covers advanced configuration and management of Windows Server services in hybrid environments, including high availability, disaster recovery, and migration of servers and workloads.

This certification validates skills in deploying, packaging, securing, updating, and configuring Windows Server workloads using on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies. It emphasizes implementing and managing solutions related to identity, security, management, compute, networking, storage, monitoring, high availability, and disaster recovery.

It's important to note that previous certifications such as MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE have been retired as Microsoft has shifted its focus to role-based certifications.

For the most current information on certifications and exam details, it's recommended to visit the official Microsoft Learn website.

Jobs That Use Microsoft Windows Server

1. System Administrator

• Roles: Responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and managing software, hardware, and networks.
• Responsibilities:
  • Installing and configuring Windows Server environments.
  • Ensuring server performance and security.
  • Regularly monitoring server health and troubleshooting issues.
  • Managing user accounts and permissions.

2. Network Administrator

• Roles: Focuses on maintaining network infrastructure and connectivity.
• Responsibilities:
  • Configuring network services in Windows Server (e.g., DNS, DHCP).
  • Managing Active Directory to control access and resources.
  • Ensuring secure and efficient data flow across networks.
  • Diagnosing and resolving network issues.

3. IT Support Specialist

• Roles: Provides technical support for systems running Windows Server.
• Responsibilities:
  • Assisting users with server-related problems.
  • Deploying updates and patches for server systems.
  • Maintaining backup and disaster recovery systems.
  • Training staff on using server-based applications.

4. Cloud Administrator

• Roles: Manages hybrid cloud environments integrated with Windows Server.
• Responsibilities:
  • Configuring and managing virtualized Windows Server environments.
  • Integrating cloud services with on-premises systems.
  • Monitoring performance and optimizing cloud resources.
  • Ensuring security compliance in cloud-server setups.

5. Database Administrator

• Roles: Oversees database systems hosted on Windows Server platforms.
• Responsibilities:
  • Installing and configuring database management systems like SQL Server.
  • Ensuring database performance and availability.
  • Managing backups and recovery strategies.
  • Monitoring and optimizing queries and database performance.

6. Security Analyst

• Roles: Ensures the security of Windows Server systems and associated networks.
• Responsibilities:
  • Conducting security assessments and audits.
  • Implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
  • Monitoring server logs for suspicious activity.
  • Deploying updates to address vulnerabilities.

7. DevOps Engineer

• Roles: Automates and manages server deployments and integrations.
• Responsibilities:
  • Automating server configurations using scripting tools.
  • Integrating Windows Server with CI/CD pipelines.
  • Monitoring and scaling server infrastructure.
  • Ensuring server uptime and reliability.

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

Get A Free Consultation

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Below is a list of local libraries in the area that may also provide computer training near Kalamazoo, Michigan:

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

Get A Free Consultation