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Windows Server HQBrought to you by Train Signal - the Leader in Video Training for Windows IT Pros Windows 7 Features That Require Server 2008 R2
Most reviewers claim to see not only improvements in speed and functionality, but better usability as well. Some reviewers are going so far as to proclaim that Windows 7 is as user friendly as the latest Mac OS Snow Leopard. Even more important for business users and Information Technology Professionals is the list of impressive new features that come with Windows 7. Many of these new Windows 7 technologies allow for IT Departments to better manage, support, and configure Windows 7 machines throughout the enterprise. It is not surprising then that these Windows 7 features are at the top of the list of reasons IT groups are ready to initiate the massive undertaking of upgrading desktop computers throughout the company. Server 2008 R2 Required for Windows 7 FunctionsBut, did you know that some of the best new Windows 7 features only work with Windows Server 2008? In fact, some features actually require the latest Windows Server release, Server 2008 R2. And, a handful of functions not only require Windows Server 2008 R2, but they require that all domain controllers be Windows Server 2008! This isn’t a trivial point when evaluating upgrading to Windows 7 in a large environment. Let’s take a look at some of the features of Windows 7 that require Server 2008 R2.
• DirectAccessDirectAccess is one of the much-anticipated features in Windows 7. For the home user, DriectAccess provides little benefit, but in the business environment, it will be invaluable. Whether they were employees traveling on business trying to connect from hotel rooms or other locations, or whether they were employees working from home, or IT administrators trying to remotely diagnose or fix a systems issue at 3:00 A.M. — the value of remote connectivity could not be denied. Unfortunately, until the release of Windows 7, businesses had only a few unappetizing choices for providing remote access to workers. They could open up a giant security hole by allowing full connectivity over unencrypted connections (like the hotel wireless network) and just hope that no one intercepted sensitive data, or worse piggybacked on the connection into the servers themselves. Obviously, this option was not popular. They could create a DMZ area of sorts allowing connectivity only to specific resources that were sealed off from the “real” corporate network. However, this inevitably meant that whatever access the employee needed was behind the firewall and not available, and it did nothing to solve the problem of unencrypted data transfers. Finally, companies could install a Virtual Private Network or VPN which would encrypt communications between the remote user and the company network as well as provide a means to authenticate remote users before they connected to the network. Unfortunately, this required a whole other layer of client software, server setup, firewall configuration, and cost to make it work. Too often, the overall expense and effort of installation, support, and use of the VPN was such a burden that companies strictly limited who was permitted to use the service. Even for those with VPN installed, it was a clunky solution. With Windows 7, Microsoft implemented DirectAccess. While DirectAccess offers many of the features found in VPN, it is not the same thing. DirectAccess offers secure connections, like VPN, using IPSec in order to encrypt data passing between the client and network as it travels through the Internet. However, unlike VPN, DirectAccess provides an extra layer of “bi-directional” communications in which the remote computer can be connected and managed, without the user logging in. This is accomplished by authenticating the machine before the user ever attempts to connect. This provides two huge benefits. First, because the machine must authenticate to the network first, a stolen username and password are worthless without an authorized computer. Thus, not only must a password be compromised, but a machine must be taken as well, which offers a much more obvious flag of a possible security breach. Secondly, with the machine connected and authenticated over an Internet connection, the system can be remotely administered including installing patches, running scripts, or setting policies or profiles. With DirectAccess, users no longer have to worry that when the connect in a mad rush to download a critical presentation that their connection will be slowed to a crawl while a login script runs and updates are installed. Instead, these things can happen while the employee is asleep or watching T.V. in their hotel room. DirectAccess is a native part of Windows 7 and integrates seamlessly with Windows Server 2008 R2 eliminating the need for managing an extra layer of security or tying Active Directory entries to VPN users. Instead, all of the same profiles, policies, and object security features run with full affect ensuring that no one gets access to something they aren’t supposed to, while everyone gets access to everything they do need, all without any frantic 6:30 P.M. phone calls on Friday afternoon. • BranchCacheWhile network connectivity has become widespread and WAN connections have dropped in price and increased in speed in larger cities, there are still tons of places where connectivity is expensive and slow. For companies with nationwide operations there are unpleasant choices to be made. Spend huge amounts of money on faster connections, or force employees in branch offices to suffer through slow authentication and slower data access. With BranchCache you can have files stored on-site, either on a server, Windows 2008 Server, of course, or if there is no onsite server, files can be cached on the hard drives of other workstations. This way, if one person pulls down a file at 8:30 am and another person needs the same file at 9:15 am, the second user doesn’t need to download it across the WAN. • BitLocker-to-GoWindows 7 extends the drive encryption to USB keys and other removable drives. While BitLocker works without Server 2008, if you want to FORCE it to be used on USB key drives, you’ll need the Group Policy updates in Server 2008 R2. (Technically, you can’t force the drive to be encrypted, but you can disallow access to a non-encrypted drive.) Most importantly, the recovery password can be stored in Active Directory. • RemoteAppIf you want to use Presentation Virtualization (making the application appear as if it installed locally) you’ll need Server 2008 (R1 or R2) and Windows 7. While you can technically get away with using Vista, advanced visuals like Aero won’t behave and will eliminate that “local install” feel. • Sever 2008 Without Windows 7 and Vice VersaIn the real world, no upgrade to either the desktop OS nor the server OS will happen overnight. The question then becomes whether or not to upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2 first or upgrade to Windows 7 first, or go the hybrid route and upgrade some of the server OS while also upgrading some of the desktop OS. While at first glance, this sounds like the less desirable option, the reality is that this paradigm may actually serve many companies very well. The hybrid upgrade approach allows IT to upgrade by site or location, generally starting with the office with the highest concentration of the right IT personnel. By the time the IT guys are all running Windows 7 and at least a handful of the servers in the datacenter are running Windows Server 2008 R2, much of the infrastructure will not only be in place, but been tested as IT goes about its daily duties. Working the bugs from a major upgrade out is a lot easier and less politically volatile when the ones dealing with the issues are both the people most capable of figuring out what the problem is, and the ones least likely to complain about the way things are being handled. In the end, much of the handwringing going on about whether to put the chicken or the egg first may be moot. The only question is, which is the chicken, Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7? Related posts:Server 2008 R2 Contest: Win an Xbox 360 Elite & Sony Home Theatre System
A Server 2008 R2 haiku writing contest!The winning prize is an Xbox 360 Elite and a home theatre system that’s valued at $3,675.
All you have to do to enter to win is write a haiku that talks about the benefits of Server 2008 R2. A haiku is a three line poem with a format of 5 – 7 – 5 syllables on each line — however the syllable count isn’t required for this contest. Just make sure you fit under 140 characters, so your haiku can be posted on Twitter. The contest is open to all residents of the US 18+ years old. Here’s the Server 2008 R2 haiku I came up with, based on our recent Server 2008 R2 articles: 
Free Intro to Server 2008 R2 Book Download
Microsoft has also made their Intro to Server 2008 R2 Book a free download, which you can get at here. The book, written by Charlie Russel and Craig Zacker, is a great introductory resource for learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2 in terms of virtualization, management, the Web application platform, scalability and reliability, and interoperability with Windows 7.
Free Intro to Server 2008 R2 Video Training
And if the book isn’t enough for you or if you need more hands on help with R2, check out our new Intro to Server 2008 Training available for free with any purchase, for a limited time. This 6 hour course will help you master the new AD management tools, learn how to build an ASP.Net application server on Server Core, see what’s new in Group Policy and much more.
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Master Server 2008 R2 for Free
Ready to advantage of all the new features and tools that Server 2008 R2 has to offer?
Free Server 2008 R2 Learning Resources
• Windows Server 2008 R2 at Microsoft
Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 R2 site is always a good place to start –it’s packed with free information and resources. Some of the pages worth checking out include:
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Blogs
There are a number of great blogs that will teach you a lot about R2 and the best part is — they’re all free! Here are a few worth checking out:
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Forums
There are a couple of forums dedicated specifically to Server 2008 R2 that you might want to bookmark for future reference:
• Microsoft TechNet
And last but not least, don’t forget about the wealth of information you can find on TechNet. Here are two good links:
Related posts:What’s The Next Step for MCSEs?I’ve been eating out on my MCSE certification since I first earned it in 1995. Back then, I got an unsolicited phone call from a major computer company that was adding a new arm to its consulting division. They found my resume on the Internet, doubled my salary, sent me on consulting gigs across the country, and bought my first house with the discounted stock I bought out of every paycheck.
(By the way, if you’re wondering, I’m not old. I graduated from college in 1995. I got my certs pretty much right away.) The Value of MCSE Certifications TodayOf course, things are not the same today as they were then. That is the function of time, to change what was into what is. Nevertheless, the MCSE certification continues to be both a badge of honor among IT professionals, and a powerful card to play when seeking a new job or a promotion. However, the MCSE gravy train may finally be coming to an end. When Microsoft first announced its new certification paradigm, there was much hand wringing and more than a few pronouncements that the IT world was doomed. It turns out that those sentiments were premature. The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 stepped in unnoticed as the “next” MCSE certification and IT professionals have been content to pursue, hold, and display the MCSE ever since. So, what has changed?
Impact of Windows 7Microsoft released Windows Server 2008 with exactly five years spacing between the last major server OS release (at least based on version number). True to form, corporate IT managers and directors remembered the advice they got somewhere along their career path: “When it comes to Microsoft always wait for SP1.” That coupled with the diminished economy, budget cuts, and the fact that plenty of companies hated Windows Vista, all add up to Windows Server 2003 remaining the “standard” Microsoft server platform in most enterprises. But, with the release of Windows 7, change is on the horizon. It has been a decade or more since most corporations last upgraded their operating system. There is no rush to upgrade now, but everyone knows that while Windows XP has become a solid, reliable, work horse, the future is Windows 7. While there will be no stampede to upgrade to Windows 7 right away (after all, many companies will be waiting for SP1) the fact that an OS upgrade is coming raises some issues. Perhaps the first question on the minds of IT executives is the order of the upgrades. With most enterprises still running Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, there are two major upgrades in the works. Upgrading to Windows Server 2008 first allows a company to take advantage of the newer, better, faster, easier to use tools to create and distribute an OS upgrade across a large environment. Windows Server 2008 was released into a world where Microsoft was fully aware that the main upgrade in the enterprise would be from XP to Windows 7, there promises to be less integration issues between Windows 7 and Server 2008; in contrast to Microsoft’s focus the past few years on Server 2003 being used to upgrade XP to Vista. Even more importantly, Windows Server 2008 not only already has SP1, it also already has R2, which means that more of those real world glitches that are so stubborn to find have been stomped out. Windows 7, in contrast, still hasn’t has a way to go. MCSE 2008: How I learned to stop worrying and love the MCITPThe new world order that is emerging will soon be looking for system administrators, architects, consultants, engineers, and other IT pros that are certified in Windows Server 2008. They’ll be surprised to find that their former go-to certification, the MCSE is no longer around. Those keeping an eye on the job boards, especially the more mainstream ones, can expect to see more than a couple postings looking for MCSE 2008 certifications while the world at large slowly comes to terms with Microsoft’s bizarre decision to sacrifice the virtually household name of MCSE for a confusing collection of who-outranks-who certifications. MCITP is the new MCSEMicrosoft’s PR machine is big, if not effective, and eventually the world will come to at least a basic understanding of the new certification paradigm. Until then, companies big and small will be looking to map what they already know on top of the new system. When they do, they’ll notice that MCTS can be had with just one exam for one product. That makes it the MCP, or the certification that people use because they can’t get an MCSE, or haven’t gotten there yet. Then, they will take a look at the MCITP, with it multiple exam requirements across different technologies and products and they will decide that the MCITP is the new MCSE. In other words, shortly after the job postings for MCSE 2008 start appearing, postings for MCITP 2008 will appear without regard to “in what”. Some hiring managers will overshoot and find themselves woefully lacking in applicants for a position that requires a MCM Server 2008 or a MCA Server Administrator. Then again, perhaps they’ll be flooded with applications that state this, since there is no such thing, perhaps I would be a good match. How-To Upgrade Your MCSE to MCITPMicrosoft is all too aware that while there are over 155,000 MCSE Server 2003 certifications, there are fewer than 10,000 MCITP Server Administrators. It doesn’t look good when there are not enough people who are “qualified” to handle your products. Fortunately, for holders of MCSE in Windows Server 2003, there is a very attractive upgrade path to the MCITP certification. For Server 2003 MCSEs, just one Microsoft certification upgrade exam is required to get three 2008 MCTS certifications — Active Directory, Network Infrastructure, and Applications Infrastructure Configuration. If you are wondering how to list that kind of certification on your resume and business card — MCTS(3), perhaps? — then you have an idea of why the new certification paradigm is not as user friendly as its predecessor. Professionals who take advantage of this route can spend the next four or five years as MCSE 2003, MCTS 2008 certified while both the number of companies using Windows Server 2008 and the number of professionals with 2008 certifications slowly starts to build. For older MCSEs, upgrading to MCITP isn’t as easy. The upgrade exams for Windows Server 2000 MCSEs have already been retired. For MCSE NT4 (like yours truly) the upgrade path involves taking almost all the same exams as someone without a certification. However, many individual exams count toward some of the MCITP requirements, particularly those from the “Choose One” areas. There will be considerable value in being both a MCSE 2003 and MCITP for the next several years. For that reason, professionals capable of completing the MCSE 2003 certification quickly, would be best off getting their MCSE 2003 and then upgrading it instead of going straight for the MCITP. Related posts:Video: Coach Culbertson on Server 2008 R2 Training — Free for a Limited TimeLast week I got a chance to talk to Ben “Coach” Culbertson (our Server 2008 expert), just as he was finishing up his latest training. Coach gave me some insight into his new Server 2008 R2 training that covers all of the new features and tools of R2 — so check out the video below.
If you enjoy the video, check out Coach’s Server 2008 R2 training and see how you can get yours free.
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Windows 7 has been released to considerable acclaim. 
Interested in learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2?
By the time I left the computer industry (before it became the “technology” industry) there wasn’t a job I couldn’t get an interview for just because I had an MCSE.
