Introducing Server Manager

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of Windows Server Manager, a critical tool for managing Windows Server environments. It explores key features like the dashboard, local server settings, event monitoring, and adding additional servers. The session covers the management of roles and features, such as file and storage services, and demonstrates how to handle server issues and configurations efficiently. With a focus on ease of use and flexibility, the video shows how Server Manager centralizes control for both local and remote server administration, making it an essential tool for IT professionals in modern server management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Server Manager is a key tool for configuring modern Windows Server versions (2016, 2019, 2022).
• 😀 Upon initial launch of Server Manager, a prompt appears suggesting trying Windows Admin Center, which will be covered in a subsequent video.
• 😀 Server Manager automatically loads upon login and offers a centralized view for managing server roles and features.
• 😀 If Server Manager is closed, it can be easily reopened from the Start Menu or by searching for it.
• 😀 Server Manager includes a refresh feature that updates the connection status with servers, indicated by a progress bar.
• 😀 The Dashboard in Server Manager provides an overview of the server’s status, including warnings and events related to various roles and features.
• 😀 Server Manager allows for direct management of roles such as File and Storage Services, including managing servers, volumes, disks, and storage pools.
• 😀 Server groups can be created to manage multiple servers logically, helping organize them by location or function.
• 😀 To add a server, you can search by DNS or import a list from a file, with active directory integration available once set up.
• 😀 Server Manager provides a configuration interface for managing the local server's settings such as network configuration, Windows Update status, and firewall settings.
• 😀 Enhanced Internet Explorer security settings can be adjusted via Server Manager, though it is recommended to leave them on for security unless browsing is necessary on the server.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Windows Server Manager?

Windows Server Manager is a central management tool for configuring and monitoring Windows Servers. It allows administrators to manage roles, features, services, and servers from a single interface.

How does Server Manager behave when first opened?

When you first open Server Manager, it loads automatically and displays a dashboard with a summary of the server’s status. It might show a progress bar while it refreshes its connections with any managed servers.

What does the progress bar in Server Manager indicate?

The progress bar in Server Manager indicates that it is refreshing its connection with the servers being managed. This may take some time, especially if you are managing multiple servers.

What is the 'Local Server' section in Server Manager?

The 'Local Server' section in Server Manager provides detailed information and configuration options for the server you are currently managing. It includes settings like firewall, remote desktop, updates, and security configurations.

What is the purpose of the 'Roles and Features' list in Server Manager?

The 'Roles and Features' list shows all the roles and features installed on the server. As you add more roles and features, they populate this list, and you can manage them directly from Server Manager, depending on the role.

How can you add additional servers to Server Manager?

To add more servers, go to the 'Manage' menu in Server Manager, select 'Add Servers,' and either search for servers in Active Directory, use DNS, or import a list from a file. You can then select and add servers to your management list.

What is a server group in Server Manager, and how is it useful?

A server group in Server Manager allows you to organize multiple servers into logical categories (e.g., by location). This helps manage large environments by allowing group-level operations and monitoring.

What are some common services and alerts visible in Server Manager?

Server Manager can show alerts related to services and system performance. For example, it may display warnings if certain services, like the 'Downloads Maps Manager,' are not running correctly, or if there are issues with server performance or security configurations.

What is the 'Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration' in Server Manager?

The 'Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration' is a security feature that restricts browsing on servers. It’s typically left enabled for security purposes but can be disabled for administrators or users if necessary for specific tasks.

Can you manage roles and features on remote servers with Server Manager?

Yes, Server Manager allows you to manage roles and features on remote servers. If the required management tools are not installed on the local server, you can add them and connect to remote servers to manage their configurations.

What are some of the management tools available in Server Manager?

Server Manager provides access to a variety of management tools depending on the roles and features installed on the server. These tools can help with managing services, performance, storage, Active Directory, and more. Additional tools can be added as needed.