Windows-Server-2012-R2-Network-Installation-Guide

New - 2nd Edition with expanded topics. Updated July 2015.



The aim of this guide is to take the reader through a typical installation of a small Windows Server 2012 R2 network and is written for the following people:



• Someone who is new to Windows Server 2012 R2 and installing it for the first time

• Someone setting up Windows Server 2012 R2 in a small business setting

• Someone wishing to learn the basics of Windows Server 2012 R2 and who wants a succinct, practical guide based on real world scenarios and experience rather than abstract theory



The approach is very much practical and hands on and based on real world experience. It should give you a good feel for Windows Server and help you setup a network that meets the needs of a typical small organization. It assumes a reasonable working knowledge of Windows, along with the basics of networking. With over 110 illustrations and screenshots and written in a friendly, no nonsense style, it is the ideal introduction to Windows Server.



CONTENTS

1. Hardware and Infrastructure

1.1 File Server

1.2 Disk Drives and Storage Options

1.2.1 Single Drive System

1.2.2 Twin Disk Drives

1.2.3 RAID

1.2.4 Storage Spaces

1.2.5 SSD and 2 ½ inch Drives

1.3 Internet Connection, Hub, Router

1.4 IP Considerations

2. Initial Installation of Windows Server 2012 R2

3. Storage and Shared Folders

3.1 Setting up Storage Spaces

3.2 Folder Structure and Shares

4. Creating Users

4.1 Resetting a Password

4.2 Disabling an Account

4.3 Deleting an Account

4.4 User Groups

4.5 Home Folders, Login Scripts and Profiles

5. Connecting Computers to the Domain

5.1 DNS Settings with All-in-One Routers

5.2 Connecting a Windows XP Client to the domain

5.3 Connecting a Windows Vista Client to the domain

5.4 Connecting a Windows 7 Client to the domain

5.5 Connecting a Windows 8.1 Client to the domain

5.6 Connecting a Windows 10 Client to the domain (classic method)

5.7 Connecting a Windows 10 Client to the domain (modern method)

5.8 Connecting Computers with Unsupported Operating Systems

6. Backups

6.1 Installation of Windows Server Backup

6.2 Setting up a Scheduled Backup

6.3 Recovering Files

6.4 Backing up to a Network Drive

7. Printing

7.1 Independent Networked Printer

7.2 Shared Printer on Server

8. Cloud Services

8.1 Using Dropbox with Windows Server

8.2 Using Google Drive with Windows Server

9. Group Policy

9.1 Installation of Group Policy Management

9.2 Group Policy Management Console

9.3 Specifying Home Page Using Group Policy

9.4 Windows 7 & 8 Logon Behaviour

9.5 Logon Warning/Security Message

9.6 Changing the Password Policy

9.7 Redirect the User’s Documents Folder

10. Housekeeping and Monitoring the Health of the Server

10.1 Disabling Internet Explorer Enhanced Security

10.2 Checking the Event Logs

10.3 Optimizing the Hard Drives

10.4 Applying Windows Updates to the Server

10.5 Install Server Management Software

10.6 Install Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware Software

10.7 Setup Alternative Administrator Account(s)

10.8 Remote Desktop

10.9 Task Manager and Resource Monitor

11. Working with iPads and Other Portable Devices

11.1 Accessing the File System with File Browser

11.2 Using Dropbox and Google Drive

11.3 My Server App for Windows Phone

11.4 Microsoft Remote Desktop app for iOS

11.5 Chromebooks

Appendix A: Installing DHCP

Appendix B: Installing Windows Server Essentials Experience

Appendix C: Multiple Network Adapters (NIC Teaming)