Windows 7 iSCSI Initiator Users Guide Available for Download

Microsoft is offering for download a free iSCSI Initiator users guide designed for customers running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

The resource is up for grab on the Microsoft Download Center, and it’s essentially a Word 2010 document which provides insight into the technology.

According to Microsoft, the guide will enable IT professionals to understand the features and components of the iSCSI Initiator.

Furthermore, the software giant also provides guidance when it comes down to the installation and configuration of the iSCSI Initiator, and insight into how to make the best out of the technology when using Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.

“Microsoft Internet iSCSI Initiator enables you to connect a host computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 to an external iSCSI-based storage array through an Ethernet network adapter,” the software giant said.

“You can use Microsoft iSCSI Initiator in your existing network infrastructure to enable block-based storage area networks (SANs). SANs provide iSCSI target functionality without investing in additional hardware, and they enable the use of iSCSI storage devices in home and small offices.”

There are a few improvements in Microsoft iSCSI Initiator in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, and the guide is also set up to cover the changes, as well as explain the benefits to customers.

One of the most obvious changes is related to the graphical user interface overhaul introduced by the Redmond company to make it easier for IT pros to access the most common settings.

But there are also additional enhancements, the Microsoft highlights:

“-Quick Connect allows one-click connections to storage devices if they do not require advanced settings, such as Internet Protocol security (IPsec) and Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP).

- The Configuration tab allows you to generate a configuration report of all the connected targets and devices on the system.

- iSCSI digest offload support.

- iSCSI boot support for up to 32 paths with Microsoft Multipath I/O (MPIO) at boot time.”