Another item that stood out prominently was the new Server Manager interface, which now features a lot more options and control over the servers roles and management tasks. It is basically an MMC Snap in with the most common tasks bundled in one convenient interface that starts at log-in. It includes Roles, Features, Diagnostics, Configuration and Storage management by Default and displays a server summary upon opening which is much more convenient than previous 2003 versions.

Also changed is the ACL Interface when setting files and sharing permissions on NTFS directories. There is now an added step to setting the permissions which was not there before. Basically, upon displaying the properties of a file, directory or share, you can view what permissions are in place but have to click edit to actually change them. This took a little getting used to at first but allows for better management once accustomed to it.  Another addition to the properties window for directories is the addition of “Share” and “Advanced Sharing” buttons on the Sharing tab. The “Share” button allows you to configure basic sharing such as share name and permissions while the “Advanced Sharing” button allows you to configure all that Share does plus caching and permissions.

Speaking of Administrative environments! Windows Server 2008 now has a Power Shell which can be used to administer any aspect of the server from a command line (PowerShell). This is a new market for the new Operating System, and as most System Administrators with Linux Experience will agree; it is a long overdue addition to Microsoft’s OS’s. The Power Shell can supplement the GUI for common Administrative tasks for those that are somewhat comfortable in a command line environment or completely replace the GUI for those that prefer a command line environment. This allows the Operating System to take advantage of the resources used by the GUI and gives Administrators more flexibility and granularity when configuring and maintaining their servers.

Another exciting feature added to the new Windows Server 2008 is Server Core. This is basically a GUI-Less server that can be virtualized and administered remotely similar to the way Admins are used to doing things now without ANY GUI on the actual server. This provides a more secure and robust server while allowing the server to once again allocate the resources previously consumed by the GUI back to more critical applications and services.

I am very excited to explore these and all of the other new innovations in Windows Server 2008, and as mentioned in this post, this is my first real look at the OS. I will most certainly be posting a lot more with regards to Server 08 in the coming months as I gain more knowledge and experience administering the Servers that I have deployed it to – So Stay Tuned!

Jason (Digitalkid)
www.954network.com