Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core Installations Job Aids

Both Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are examples of componentized Windows operating systems, essentially delivering a central nucleus on top of which customers can build on, adding features and capabilities and enhancing functionality. Microsoft refers to this nucleus as the server core, and undoubtedly, customers running Windows Server 2008 are already familiar with it. However, IT professionals in need of a little guidance when it comes down to Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 can download a couple of resources from Microsoft.

The Redmond company is offering Job Aids for Server Core Installations of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 via the Microsoft Download Center. The resources are designed to provide IT administrators with summaries of the most common procedures and commands that are needed to manage Server Core installations.

“These Job Aids present the most common procedures and commands necessary to configure and manage Server Core installations in a one-page format that you can download, print, and fold to pocket size. The back has been left blank so you can add your own notes, procedures, or commands specific to your own deployments or operations. Currently there are two Job Aids, one for Windows Server 2008 and one for Windows Server 2008 R2. Both are continuously updated based on feedback from users,” Microsoft revealed.

In a similar manner, Server Core installations of both Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 do not offer customers a graphical user interface. Admins need, in this regard, to turn exclusively to the command prompt for all configuration and management actions. In addition to lacking the Windows Shell, Server Core installations also come with limited managed code support and limited MSI support.

“The numerous and varied commands and procedures for common activites such as installing server roles, configuring the firewall, and assorted Active Directory domain actions can be difficult to remember. Although all of this and more is documented extensively in the Server Core Installation Option Getting Started Guide, administrators may not have Internet access to look up the commands. The full Getting Started Guide is quite large, and could be inconvenient to reference in printed form for just a few key commands,” the company added.