Windows Server deployment

This Windows Server deployment topic center provides tips to help administrators roll out a solid foundation that will reduce downtime in the data center. This section also provides implementation advice, such as how to configure high-availability clusters for business-critical applications, namely SQL Server.

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October 09, 2019 09 Oct'19
October Patch Tuesday resolves 59 vulnerabilities

Microsoft attempts to stamp out printing issues that originated from a faulty out-of-band patch for an Internet Explorer zero-day.
November 30, 2009 30 Nov'09
Microsoft still playing catch up with Service Manager

Microsoft is closer to delivering System Center Service Manager, but after long delays, the company may have missed the boat.
February 28, 2007 28 Feb'07
Server data sheets: How they can simplify your server installations

Servers are complex environments that are constantly changing, especially if users are assigned to them. A server data sheet allows you to keep track of all those changes. Here's what a server data sheet should contain.
February 27, 2007 27 Feb'07
Server consolidation: Modeling your consolidation server

In performing a server consolidation, it's hard to figure out how many servers can be safely consolidated into one without running into diminishing returns. You should learn what each server's real needs and behaviors are, then model your ...

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Use Puppet for Windows ops automation with dsc_lite

With DSC and dsc_lite, as well as a native option, users operate in Puppet within the familiarity of PowerShell settings. Here's how each approach works. Continue Reading
Use this Microsoft deployment tool for easier setups

It's not new, but the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit tends to be overlooked when administrators need a way to set up Windows in an automated fashion. See why MDT is worth using. Continue Reading
How to build a Packer image for Azure

Packer is an open source tool that automates the Windows Server image building process to give administrators a consistent approach to create new VMs. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

Configure Windows Storage Spaces to serve up hot data fast

To avoid the high cost of a software-defined SAN, IT shops can turn on the tiered storage virtualization feature in newer versions of Windows Server. Continue Reading
Upgrade to Windows Server 2016 or consider other options?

As the release date for Windows Server 2016 draws near, will your organization decide to upgrade or go another route? Continue Reading
What are the benefits of deploying Microsoft Nano Server?

Nano Server, one of the key new Windows Server 2016 features, is a lightweight installation option designed to run in cloud instances and virtualized environments. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Microsoft tweaks Windows PowerShell DSC in Windows Server 2016

Microsoft refined PowerShell Desired State Configuration in Windows Server 2016 to make server configurations less of a chore for administrators and developers. Continue Reading
Examine the top Windows 10 deployment tools

With the general release of Windows 10 drawing near, admins can choose from a bevy of tools to help install the new OS. Continue Reading
Global Update Manager (GUM)

Global Update Manager is a cluster component in the Windows Cluster Architecture. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Avoid downtime with rolling upgrades in Windows Server 2016

Microsoft attempts to make switching to a new operating system less painful and reduce downtime by implementing a rolling upgrade feature in Windows Server 2016. Continue Reading
How Windows Server 2012 can solve Windows failover cluster headaches

In Windows Server 2012, Microsoft tried to smooth out some major Active Directory bumps in failover clusters. Did it fix what's bothering you? Continue Reading
FAQ: Clustering in Windows Server 2012

Clustering in Windows went through major change with the Windows Server 2012 release. Here's what's new and how to take advantage of the improvements. Continue Reading