Duration 3 days – 21 hrs
Overview
This open-source training course is designed for Platform Services Systems Administrators who manage Windows-based infrastructure. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Windows systems administration, covering essential skills, tools, and best practices for managing Windows environments effectively. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell automation, security management, and system monitoring.
Objectives
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a Windows Systems Administrator.
- Install, configure, and manage Windows Server operating systems.
- Administer Active Directory (AD) and Group Policy for user and system management.
- Utilize PowerShell for automation and administration.
- Implement security measures, including firewall management, user access control, and threat mitigation.
- Monitor system performance and troubleshoot common Windows server issues.
- Manage networking services, including DNS, DHCP, and Remote Desktop Services.
- Implement Windows Server Backup and Disaster Recovery strategies.
- Apply best practices for Windows system hardening and compliance.
Audience
- IT professionals aspiring to become Systems Administrators.
- Existing System Administrators looking to enhance their skills.
- Helpdesk and Support Engineers transitioning to Windows System Administration roles.
- Network Administrators seeking Windows systems expertise.
- IT managers and technical team leads responsible for Windows infrastructure.
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of Windows operating systems.
- Familiarity with networking concepts (IP addressing, DNS, DHCP).
- Experience with basic command-line or scripting (PowerShell is a plus).
- Understanding of IT security fundamentals.
Course Content
Day 1: Windows Server Fundamentals and Setup
Module 1: Introduction to Windows Systems Administration
- Role and Responsibilities of a Windows Systems Administrator
- Windows Server Editions and Features
- Windows Administration Tools and Interfaces
Module 2: Windows Server Installation and Configuration
- Installing and Configuring Windows Server
- Managing Server Roles and Features
- Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
- Managing Windows Updates and Patch Management
Module 3: Active Directory and Identity Management
- Introduction to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
- User, Group, and Computer Management
- Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and Policy Enforcement
- AD Federation Services and Single Sign-On (SSO)
Day 2: Networking, Automation, and Security
Module 4: Windows Networking Services
- Configuring and Managing DNS and DHCP
- Remote Access and VPN Configuration
- File and Print Services Management
- Windows Firewall and Network Security Settings
Module 5: PowerShell for Windows Administration
- PowerShell Basics and Scripting Fundamentals
- Automating Administrative Tasks with PowerShell
- Managing AD, Users, and Systems with PowerShell
- Scheduled Tasks and Remote Administration
Module 6: Security and Compliance
- User Access Controls and Privilege Management
- Windows Defender and Malware Protection
- Security Policies and Compliance (ISO, NIST, CIS Benchmarks)
- BitLocker and Data Encryption Techniques
Day 3: Performance, Backup, and Troubleshooting
Module 7: Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting
- Event Viewer and Windows Logs Analysis
- Performance Monitoring with Task Manager and Resource Monitor
- Windows Performance Counters and Reliability Monitoring
- Troubleshooting Common Windows Server Issues
Module 8: Backup and Disaster Recovery
- Windows Server Backup and Recovery Options
- Implementing RAID and Storage Redundancy
- Disaster Recovery Planning and Failover Strategies
- Hyper-V and Virtualization for High Availability
Module 9: Windows Server Hardening and Best Practices
- Security Baselines and Server Hardening Guidelines
- Least Privilege and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Managing Remote Desktop Services Securely
- Patch Management and Incident Response Planning
Module 10: Capstone Project & Hands-on Lab
- Real-world Windows Administration Scenarios
- Troubleshooting and Incident Response Simulation
- Group Policy and AD Management Exercises
- PowerShell Automation Use Cases
