Got DNS issues?

I have yet encountered a residential ISP that doesn't have DNS issues.  So what is the fix?  Setup your own DNS server at home (good practice and more secure).  But an easy fix is to use Google DNS.  I have tried and seems to work well. 

Just change your DNS settings to use Primary 8.8.8.8 Secondary 8.8.4.4

No real security risk since they are tracking your searches away :)

Need more security … check out Simple DNS Crypt

https://simplednscrypt.org/

Need protection from Adware … use a custom host file

https://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ current

https://github.com/StevenBlack/hosts current

http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm 2018

DNS Tool – manage DNS

http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman/ 2017

Containers

Windows Containers

Overview
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/manage-docker/docker-powershell

Containers: Docker, Windows and Trends (Mark R.)
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/containers-docker-windows-and-trends/

Windows Server 2016

 

OEM

OEM Reseller Community Academy
https://www.microsoft.com/oem/community

OEM Videos on Windows Server 2016
https://www.microsoft.com/oem/community/category/3/content/30?page=1

Videos

Keith Mayer talks about new tech in Windows Server 2016

What’s New in Windows Server 2016
http://www.dabcc.com/microsoft-video-whats-new-in-windows-server-2016-networking/

End of support for Server 2003 and SQL 2005 – wow!

http://support2.microsoft.com/lifecycle/default.aspx

MCSA 2012

Latest Update – Wow now this cert is outdated. Windows Server 2012 R2 has been released
http://blogs.technet.com/b/kevinremde/archive/2013/06/25/breaking-news-windows-server-2012-r2-and-system-center-2012-r2-preview-evaluations-are-now-available.aspx?goback=%2Egde_1864032_member_252808253
 
I am up and running with the new version of Windows Server 2012 R2 on 6/26/2013
The MCSA Server 2012 Exams are challenging so here I put together a list of some references I used during my studies.  Note that this list will help those most that have the knowledge associated with an MCITP on Windows Server 2008.
I hope this helps and good luck.
General Info on What’s New in 2012 Networking (3 part series)
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles-tutorials/windows-server-2012/Whats-New-Windows-Server-2012-Networking-Part1.html

70-410

Exam Details
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?id=70-410

My Reference Links for 70-410
Active Directory
Active Directory Install http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh472162.aspx
AD Wizard http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831457.aspx
Offline Join http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/offline-domain-join-djoin-step-by-step(v=ws.10).aspx
Restricted Groups http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc957640.aspx
Implement Central Store and convert existing ADM files into ADMX
http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2011/12/12/how-to-implement-the-central-store-for-group-policy-admin-templates-completely-hint-remove-those-adm-files.aspx

Content Management
Shadow Copies
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc771305.aspx
Advanced Offline Files
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj966252.aspx
Disk Management
Spanned Volume http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc784653(v=ws.10).aspx
Convert MBR to GPT http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc725671.aspx
GPO
Control Windows Store Installation
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh832040.aspx
Create Rules for Packaged Apps
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh994588.aspx
Using GPP Rename Administrator Account
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/datacenter/change-local-username-and-password-via-group-policy/3185


GUI/Core Transformation – Full – Core/GUI – Core
Info - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831786.aspx
More Info - http://blogs.technet.com/b/server_core/archive/2012/05/09/configuring-the-minimal-server-interface.aspx
GUI to Core Step by Step - http://blogs.technet.com/b/puneetvig/archive/2012/10/16/switch-between-full-and-core-in-windows-server-2012-using-powershell-3-0.aspx
Core to GUI – Step by Step - http://blogs.technet.com/b/john_taylor/archive/2013/01/09/converting-from-server-2012-core-install-to-full-gui.aspx
Good Article from Scripting Guy http://blogs.technet.com/b/heyscriptingguy/archive/2013/01/25/use-powershell-to-remove-the-gui-on-windows-server-2012.aspx
Command Reference
Import-Module ServerManager (needed for Uninstall-WindowsFeature cmdlets below)
Uninstall-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Shell –Restart (Removes shell but leaves Server Management GUI)
Uninstall-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Mgmt-Infra –Restart (Creates non-GUI server core)

Networking
Nic Teaming
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831648.aspx
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/15004.nic-teaming-windows-2012.aspx
Storage Spaces
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831739.aspx
Security
Connection Security Rules
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772017.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd448591(v=ws.10).aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc725940(v=ws.10).aspx
Server Management
Remote Server Management http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh921475.aspx
Remote Server Core Management
http://blogs.technet.com/b/wincat/archive/2012/05/03/what-needs-to-be-configured-to-do-remote-disk-management-of-a-server-core-installation-in-windows-server-2012-via-powershell.aspx

Powershell 3.0 Requirements
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh847837.aspx
VirtualizationWhats New http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831410.aspx
VHDX - Hyper-V Virtual Hard Disk Format Overview
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831446.aspx
Virtual Fibre Channel http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831413.aspx
NUMA Features in Hyper-V http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj628164.aspx
Scaling Hyper-V (EUMA and SR-IOV) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831389.aspx
Hyper-V Keyboard Shortcuts http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/415.hyper-v-vm-connection-keyboard-shortcuts.aspx
WMI
More on WMI Filters http://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/show/1432-using-wmi-filters-to-apply-group-policy-to-a-target-operating-system
More on WMI Tools http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/netmon/thread/72aae31a-bd24-4f24-9e54-356e4f30d857
Scriptomatic 2.0 http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=12028

70-411

Exam Details
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?id=70-411
WSUS – Windows Software Update Services
RAS – Remote Access
DCS – Data Collection Sets
GPO – Group Policy Objects
ADO – Active Directory Objects
My Reference Links for 70-411
Data Reduplication Overview
Network Policy Conditions Properties
Administering NPS
Introduction to Administering NPS
Network Policy Server Operations Guide
Network Policy Server Operations Guide
Group Policy Settings in Internet Explorer 10
Internet Explorer Group Policy Preferences do not apply to Internet Explorer 9 in a Windows Server 2008 R2 domain environment
Bit Locker: How to enable Network Unlock
Windows Server 2008 R2 : File Server Resource Manager (part 1)
Configure File Screen Audit

70-412

Exam Details
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?id=70-412
My Reference Links for 70-412
AD
What’s New http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831477.aspx
Installation AD Install Overview http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh472162.aspx
Installation AD 2012 Step by Step http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj574166.aspx
Selective Authentication Forest Trusts - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc816580(v=ws.10).aspx
Allow Authentication Permission http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc816733(v=ws.10).aspx
Securing Domain and Forest Trusts http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc794713(v=ws.10).aspx
AD Replication
AD Replication 2012 (How it Works) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772726(v=ws.10).aspx
Advanced Tools http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj574083.aspx
Getting Over Replmon http://blogs.technet.com/b/askds/archive/2009/07/01/getting-over-replmon.aspx
Notification Based Replication
http://morgansimonsen.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/enabling-notify-driven-replication-across-active-directory-sites/
http://blogs.technet.com/b/askds/archive/2013/01/21/configuring-change-notification-on-a-manually-created-replication-partner.aspx
RODC Replication http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc730883(v=ws.10).aspx
Urgent Replication http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772726(v=ws.10).aspx#w2k3tr_repup_how_huzs
ADFS
ADFS Resource Center http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/dd448613.aspx
What's New ADFS http://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh831502
ADFS Endpoints* http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/adfs2-help-endpoints(v=ws.10).aspx
ADRMS
AD RMS Overview http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831364.aspx
2012 What’s New in AD RMS http://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh831554
AD RMS Installation Best Practice * http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj735304.aspx
AD RMS Team http://blogs.technet.com/b/rms/archive/2012/04/28/ad-rms-installation-best-practices.aspx
AD RMS Team Video http://channel9.msdn.com/Series/Information-Protection/Enabling-RMS-Everywhere-032013
Cert Management with certutil http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc732443.aspx
Advanced Boot Optionshttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/advanced-startup-options-including-safe-mode

Backup and Restore – Disaster Recovery
2008R2/2012 Bare Metal Restore http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2011/05/12/bare-metal-restore.aspx
iSCSI Support http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee619769(v=WS.10).aspx
Custom Script in Windows PE Image http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766521(v=ws.10).aspx
Add tools to RE http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj126994.aspx
Microsoft Online Backup http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsserver/archive/2012/03/28/microsoft-online-backup-service.aspx
Branch OfficeBranchCache http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj572990.aspx
BranchCache What’s New 2012 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj127252
BranchCache 2012 PDF http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30418
BranchCache 2008R2 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd996634(WS.10).aspx
BranchCache PowerShell http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh848392(v=wps.620).aspx
CORE
Server Core Supported Roles http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj574158.aspx
Server Core Support for AD DS, AD CS and AD RMS (NOTE: Identity Federation Support role service is not supported)
 http://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh831554
DHCP
DHCP Groups http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc737716(v=ws.10).aspx
Hot Standby Mode http://blogs.technet.com/b/teamdhcp/archive/2012/09/03/dhcp-failover-hot-standby-mode.aspx
MAC Filtering http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ff521761.aspx
DNS
Secure DNS Deployment Guide http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee649266(v=ws.10).aspx
DNSSEC http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee649173(v=ws.10).aspx
DNSSEC Step by Step http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831411.aspx
DNSLINT http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321045
DNSLINT Troubleshooting AD Replication Issues http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321046
DNSLINT Overview http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321046
DNSLINT Creator Tim Rain’s http://blogs.msdn.com/b/tim_rains/archive/2004/12/15/316137.aspx
DNS Tools List * http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd197560(v=ws.10).aspx
Replmon vs Repadmin http://blogs.technet.com/b/askds/archive/2009/07/01/getting-over-replmon.aspx
RODC DNS Replication http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/4031.how-read-only-domain-controllers-and-dns-works.aspx
RODC DNS Admin http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd736126(v=ws.10).aspx
Driver Signing
Install and Test Unsigned Driver http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff547565.aspx
Dynamic Access Control http://www.dynamicaccesscontrol.com/Troubleshooting Guide http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36830
Article http://redmondmag.com/articles/2013/01/01/group-control.aspx

Failover Cluster
Overview Configure and Manage http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612870.aspx
Quorum Modes http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh270280.aspx
Files and Storage http://blogs.technet.com/b/filecab/
Data Deduplication http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831602.aspx
Data Deduplication from Storage Team http://blogs.technet.com/b/filecab/archive/2012/05/21/introduction-to-data-deduplication-in-windows-server-2012.aspx
Data Deduplication* http://blogs.technet.com/b/uspartner_ts2team/archive/2012/10/08/data-deduplication-in-windows-server-2012.aspx
DFS Cluster (Three Part Series)
http://blogs.technet.com/b/filecab/archive/2009/06/29/deploying-dfs-replication-on-a-windows-failover-cluster-part-i.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/b/filecab/archive/2009/06/29/deploying-dfs-replication-on-a-windows-failover-cluster-part-ii.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/b/filecab/archive/2009/06/29/deploying-dfs-replication-on-a-windows-failover-cluster-part-iii.aspx
ISNS http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772568.aspx
Scale-Out File Server http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831349.aspx

Storage Explorer http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753442.aspx
Storage Management http://blogs.msdn.com/b/san/archive/2012/06/26/an-introduction-to-storage-management-in-windows-server-2012.aspx
Storage Spaces http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2012/10/10/windows-server-2012-storage-spaces-is-it-for-you-could-be.aspx
Hyper-V
Hyper-V Replica http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj134172.aspx
Hyper-V Replica Broker http://blogs.technet.com/b/yungchou/archive/2013/03/24/hyper-v-replica-broker-explained.aspx
Hyper-V - Export & Import http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2008/08/26/hyper-v-export-import-part-1.aspx
Use the Base Virtual Machine to Create a New Virtual Machine http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee247413(v=WS.10).aspx
Storage Migration http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2012/03/14/how-does-storage-migration-actually-work.aspx
NLB and Failover Cluster
Failover Cluster http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612870.aspx
Failover Cluster What’s New 2012 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831414.aspx
Quorum Settings http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc731739.aspx
Advanced Quorum http://windows-scripting.org/2013/02/21/dynamic-witness-improves-windows-2012-cluster-high-availability/
Intro to Cluster Quorum Model http://blogs.msdn.com/b/clustering/archive/2010/05/14/10012930.aspx
Cluster Groups http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc780778(v=ws.10).aspx
Preferred Owners http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc759663(v=ws.10).aspx
PFE Blog on Clustering http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2012/06/27/clustering-what-exactly-is-a-file-share-witness-and-when-should-i-use-one.aspx

NLB Overview http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831698.aspx
NLB Port Rules http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc733056.aspx
NLB Parameters http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc778263(v=ws.10).aspx
NLBM Properties http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc771709.aspx
NLB Step by Step http://robertsmit.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/windows-2012-clustering-network-load-balancing-nlb-how-to-step-by-step/

Remote Server Manager
WinRM http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa384295(v=vs.85).aspx
WinRM vs. DCOM* http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh921475.aspx
Add Servers to Server Manager http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831453.aspx

70-417

Keith Mayer – Great Study Guide
http://blogs.technet.com/b/keithmayer/archive/2013/05/07/upgrade-your-mcitp-or-mcsa-to-windows-server-2012-with-this-free-certification-exam-study-guide-for-exam-70-417.aspx

More References

Cool Windows Server 2012 Extras Found While Studying

ARP Spoofing Prevention
http://blogs.technet.com/b/wincat/archive/2012/11/18/arp-spoofing-prevention-in-windows-server-2012-hyper-v.aspx
How does AD Replication Work?
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-en/library/cc772726(v=ws.10).aspx
Monster page of links
http://www.enduria.eu/preparation-resources-for-the-exam-70-417/
Jumpstart Program for 70-417
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKJ4uTj5tbxHMdt1yT0FWNzderYzv5_Ca

Hyper-V 2012

 
reference MMS 2012 - http://www.2013mms.com/digitalmms

VMWare Convertor
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh967435.aspx

Hyper-V Replica
http://www.aidanfinn.com/?p=12147

Virtualization Survival Guide (great link of resources)
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/11524.windows-server-2012-hyper-v-network-virtualization-survival-guide.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsserver/archive/2012/04/16/introducing-windows-server-8-hyper-v-network-virtualization-enabling-rapid-migration-and-workload-isolation-in-the-cloud.aspx

SR-IOV – Increase Network Performance
http://blogs.technet.com/b/privatecloud/archive/2012/05/14/increased-network-performance-using-sr-iov-in-windows-server-2012.aspx

VMQ
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg162704(v=ws.10).aspx

Shared Nothing Live Migration
http://blogs.technet.com/b/uspartner_ts2team/archive/2012/07/23/shared-nothing-live-migration-on-windows-server-2012.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/b/uspartner_ts2team/archive/2013/02/20/setting-up-shared-nothing-live-migration.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/b/andrew/archive/2013/01/09/evaluate-this-shared-nothing-live-migration.aspx

What’s New in Virtual Switch
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj679878.aspx

VM Network Security – DHCP/Router Guard, Port Mirroring
http://virtualisationandmanagement.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/windows-2012-hyper-v-advanced-network-security-dhcp-guard-router-guard-port-mirroring/

Great article – New Features - http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/09/first-look-hyper-v-2012-targets-vmwares-air-supply/

Convert VHD/VHDX http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2012/10/02/converting-a-vhd-to-a-vhdx.aspx

Expand VHD

• To use DISKPART command to expand, follow this link: http://blogs.technet.com/b/danstolts/archive/2011/04/02/how-to-expand-and-extend-to-increase-capacity-on-a-virtual-hard-disk-the-easy-and-fast-way-solve-the-problem-of-out-of-disk-space-on-drive-c-forever.aspx
• To use Resize-VHD PowerShell command, follow this link: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh848535.aspx
• To use Disk Manager GUI, follow this link: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/networking/working-with-and-resizing-windows-server-2012-vhds/6207

Old Stuff from Preview Version
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh857623.aspx

Free E-book
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/06/04/free-ebook-introducing-windows-server-2012.aspx

Preview of Hyper-V Server 2012
http://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2012/06/whats-new-in-windows-server-2012-release-candidate-hyper-v-scale/

Good Blog Article on Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Port ACLs
http://www.aidanfinn.com/?p=12634

What's New in Windows Server 2012
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831769.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831410.aspx

Moving VM

http://blogs.technet.com/b/meamcs/archive/2012/03/14/solved-how-to-move-a-hyper-v-virtual-machine-without-exporting-it-first.aspx

Windows Server 2012 Downloads
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx

Windows Server 2012 Keyboard Shortcuts
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831491.aspx#BKMK_keys

Hyper-V Virtual Switch Overview
articles
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831823.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831452.aspx
video
http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2011/11/08/windows-server-8-introducing-hyper-v-extensible-switch.aspx

More Shortcuts
Open Control Panel
PS> control

Logmein - Sticky Key Issue

Due to delay and network latency found issues using Logmein and getting sticky keys when using SHIFT during typing of passwords etc.

To turn this off … (both host and VM)

Control Panel – Ease of Access Center

Make the Keyboard Easier to Use

Clear em all

ref

http://mctexpert.blogspot.com/2012/09/sticky-key-problem-between-windows.html

Network Locations – Windows 8 and Server 2012

So need to change your network location and noticed that you can no longer just click.  Found this need fix. 

Start gpedit.msc (Windows + R and type gpedit.msc)

Navigate to Computer > Windows > Security > Network List Manager Policies and right click

Select properties and change settings under Network Location

Update – Tested using Advanced Firewall – Notice that it switched instantly with no gpudate needed.

cool – created a firewall rule that also changed instantly.

Reference -http://www.wincert.net/tips/microsoft-windows/windows-8/3342-how-to-change-network-location-type-in-windows-8

Windows Server 2012 Security Issues

Display information about previous logons during user logon" shows wrong data
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/winserverDS/thread/43df62ce-97e5-4fee-a8f2-0d00f20be8c6/
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/en-us/winserverDS/thread/B2923890-63B7-4830-B60F-0DF3A8769312

Windows Server 2012 Labs and Training

Great Sessions from MMS2012
http://www.2013mms.com/digitalmms

Windows Server 2012: Install & Configure Windows Server 2012 using VHD Boot
http://blogs.technet.com/b/aviraj/archive/2012/10/01/windows-server-2012-install-amp-configure-windows-server-2012-using-vhd-boot.aspx 

Setup https://portal.holsystems.com/support/SitePages/Requirements.aspx 

Active Directory Deployment and Management Enhancement
In this lab, you will learn how to deploy Active Directory Domain Controllers with Windows Server 2012. You will deploy domain controllers using the new Server Manager, as well as deploying remote domain controllers using Windows PowerShell. You will be able to explore the new Active Directory Management tool and use its PowerShell History Viewer.

Configuring a Highly Available iSCSI Target
In this lab, you will learn how Windows Server 2012 can provide storage remotely to any machine. You will build clusters using shared storage and build iSCSI high-availability instances--observing highly available application communication during cluster failover.

Configuring Hyper-V over Highly Available SMB Storage
In this lab, you will learn how to configure a file server cluster to support running Hyper-V virtual machines from SMB file shares. You will create the file share, configure delegation, and then create a new VM on SMB storage.

Getting Started with Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Replication
Asynchronous, application-consistent virtual machine replication is now built in to Windows Server 2012. It permits replication of Hyper‑V virtual machines between two locations for business continuity and failure recovery. In this lab, you will learn how to configure and manage this technology.

Implementing Storage Pools and Storage Spaces
In this lab, you will work with the new storage spaces technology in Windows Server 2012. You will first create new storage pools and virtual disks, and then you will work with those virtual disks in both Server Manager and Control Panel.

Introduction to DirectAccess in Windows Server 2012
DirectAccess gives users the experience of being seamlessly connected to their corporate network anytime they have Internet access. In this lab, you will learn how to configure this now easy-to-install technology and provide greater mobility and ease of access for your users.

Introduction to IIS 8
IIS 8 in Windows Server 2012 provides many new features to support greater scaling, density, and performance for your web applications. In this lab, you will learn how to configure many of these exciting new technologies, including centralized certificate support, dynamic IP domain restrictions, and throttling.

Introduction to iSCSI Diskless Boot Deployment
Windows Server 2012 can efficiently provide highly available iSCSI block storage for diskless network boot. In this lab, you will learn how to configure both the iSCSI target and diskless boot servers, enabling rapid deployment and network boot capability for commodity hardware.

Introduction to Windows PowerShell Fundamentals
Windows PowerShell is a command-line shell and scripting language that helps you achieve greater control and productivity. Using a new admin-focused scripting language, more than 230 standard command-line tools, and consistent syntax and utilities, Windows PowerShell enables you to more easily control system administration and accelerate automation.

What’s New in Windows PowerShell 3.0
In this lab, you will explore some of the new features and functionality in Windows PowerShell 3.0 to enable you to more easily control system administration and accelerate automation.

Managing Branch Offices
In this lab, you will learn how the branch office scenario has been improved in Windows Server 2012 including new branch cache enhancements.

Managing Network Infrastructure
In this lab, you will explore new network management capabilities in Windows Server 2012. You will learn how to implement Network Teaming as well as how to implement DHCP failover. Finally, explore new Windows PowerShell cmdlets for network management.

Managing Windows Server 2012 with Server Manager and Windows PowerShell 3.0
In this lab, you will learn how the Server Manager and Windows PowerShell framework in Windows Server 2012 delivers an enhanced, multi-server management experience. You will learn to perform tasks such as multi-server management. You will also explore new Windows PowerShell capabilities including new cmdlets and the Windows PowerShell gateway.

Managing Your Network Infrastructure with IP Address Management
Network management is core to running a business, yet the tools that IT professionals need can be too costly or not available from Microsoft. With Windows Server 2012, we change that with the introduction of IP Address Management (IPAM).

Online Backup Service
In this lab, you will use Windows Server Backup to back up your critical data to Windows Azure. This lab will teach you the entire set of workflows around backing up and recovering your data to Windows Azure.

Using Dynamic Access Control to Automatically and Centrally Secure Data
In this lab, you will explore Dynamic Access Control in Windows Server 2012. You will learn how to create Central Access Policies, explore the new Access Denied Remediation features, as well as learn how to use the audit capabilities built into Dynamic Access Control.

Online Courses
https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/tracks/windows-server-2012-jump-start-preparing-for-the-datacenter-evolution

http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/server/default.aspx#fbid=GNP_AYw5Cwb

10159 - Updating Your Windows Server 2008 Technology Skills to Windows Server 2008 R2

Course Info from Microsoft Site
10159A Web Page

Lesson 1
Requirements and Limits for Virtual Machines and Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee405267(v=ws.10).aspx
Foundation (OEM only)
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/2008-r2-foundation.aspx
Great blog from Hyper-V team on comparision between 2008 and 2008 R2
http://blogs.technet.com/b/virtualization/archive/2009/07/30/microsoft-hyper-v-server-2008-r2-rtm-more.aspx
VHD boot
http://blogs.technet.com/b/gmarchetti/archive/2009/07/14/vhd-boot.aspx
Install Server Migration Tools from ps or gui
http://technet.microsoft.com/pt-pt/library/dd379545(WS.10).aspx
More on BCDBOOT
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744347(WS.10).aspx
USB Boot
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463427
USB Install Video
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/Video/ff710663


Lesson 2
Check out the new features of 2008 R2
1.DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC)
2.DNS Devolution
3.DNS Cache Locking
4.DNS Socket Pool
DNS http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd378952(WS.10).aspx
NAP http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/nap-main.aspx
RDS http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/rds-technical-resources.aspx
File Classification
http://channel9.msdn.com/Learn/Courses/WindowsServer2008R2/FileClassifictionInfrastructure/NewFileSystemClassificationInfrastructure

Lesson 3
More from Powershell 101
http://powershell101.blogspot.com/2012/04/active-directory.html

Powershell requirements
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968929
Running powershell from command line is easy just type powershell.exe or powershell.exe .\script.ps1, but heres more
http://www.leeholmes.com/blog/2006/05/05/running-powershell-scripts-from-cmd-exe/
Powershell Library
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb978526.aspx
2003 Powershell
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=20020
AD Powershell
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee617195.aspx

Lesson 4A - Active Directory
New Active Directory Administrative Center
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd560651.aspx
Manage a different domain using ADAC
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd560632(WS.10).aspx
Install Gateway for 2003 R2 up to 2008 R2
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=2852
Managing 2003? You need to install the AD mangement gateway.
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=2852

Lesson 4B - GPO
What's new in Group Policy
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd367853(WS.10).aspx
Download GPO help file
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=25250
GPO Help Online
http://gps.cloudapp.net/

Lesson 5
Hyper-V can run in core, see here for more
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc794852(WS.10).aspx
Core Config
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753802(WS.10).aspx
VMM 2008 R2
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee230429.aspx

Lesson 6
RDS (Remote Desktop Services)
General http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/rds-product-home.aspx
Technet http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/solutions/virtualization/products/rds.aspx
VDI (Virtual Desktop Intrastructure)
General http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/rds-vdi.aspx
Technet http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/gg276319.aspx
Video http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/NorthAmerica/2011/VIR312
Lesson 7
VPN - Step by Step setup
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd637783(WS.10).aspx
DirectAccess - Step by Step Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=24144
DirectAccess - Good Article and Video
http://www.networkworld.com/community/DirectAccess
http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/NorthAmerica/2011/WSV404
Compare - ISA TMG UAG
http://www.isaserver.org/tutorials/Microsoft-Forefront-TMG-UAG-feature-comparison.html

Lesson 8
New to R2 and Windows 7 is Branch Cache to speed up access to files at corporate
BranchCache
Step by Step http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd637820(WS.10).aspx
Video http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/branch-cache-in-windows-7.aspx

Lesson 8 - Server Core
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd184075.aspx
Add PowerShell to Server Core
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsserver2008r2management/thread/83b7d33b-ee27-45ae-8e68-ab5e63cd7274
More on adding PowerShell to Server Core
http://dmitrysotnikov.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/powershell-on-server-core/
Server Core Tool
http://redmondmag.com/articles/2011/03/01/cutting-to-the-core.aspx
Server Core Tool Download
http://coreconfig.codeplex.com/
Remote Server Manager - Setup and Limitations
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd759202.aspx

Lesson 9 – Web Services - IIS –FTP
IIS PowerShell
http://www.iis.net/learn/manage/powershell

Extra
Need to view events from other servers or concentrate your events on one management server.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749183.aspx

Free Stuff
Download Free Windows 2008 R2 Poster or Download Free E-Book

Non Microsoft Sources
Good Article on RDS Setup
http://www.bloggersbase.com/computers/remote-desktop-services-in-windows-2008-r2-1/

PowerGUI
http://redmondmag.com/articles/2010/03/01/powershell-without-the-shell.aspx
POWERGUI
http://powergui.org/

Windows Server 2012

Tips and Tricks

Add Start Menu missing?
http://randelhall.blogspot.com/2012/12/poor-man-start-menu-missing-your-start.html

Can’t find Shutdown Restart and Logoff
http://randelhall.blogspot.com/2012/12/shutdown-restart-logoff-missing-on.html

Updates

IE Sucks Less
http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/ie-sucks-less

Browser You Loved To Hate
http://browseryoulovedtohate.com/

Windows Server 2012 Saved Their Business!
http://blogs.technet.com/b/uspartner_ts2team/archive/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-and-hyper-v-replica.aspx

Finally RTM! Free Book
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/09/05/free-ebook-introducing-windows-server-2012-rtm-edition.aspx

Training

MCSA 2012 – Interesting Blog Article Sharing 70-417 Experience
http://www.absolute-sharepoint.com/2012/11/i-passed-70-417-mcsa-windows-server.html

Windows Server 2012 "Early Experts" Challenge
http://blogs.technet.com/b/keithmayer/p/trainws12fl.aspx

Windows Server 2012: Technical Overview
https://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/tracks/windows-server-2012-technical-overview

Labs (free 90 day eval from Azure)
http://blogs.technet.com/b/keithmayer/p/earlyexpertlabsetup_azure.aspx

Windows Server 2012 Preview

UPDATE - winver displays - 6.2 Build 8400 - expires 1/15/2013
Installed Server 2012 on my lab machine as my main hyper-v lab os.  Soothingly installed but getting bpa errors which seem common on the web.  http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/winserver8gen/thread/fb00775a-2da8-432c-9155-7d457fdf8e82

Free Book -http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/09/05/free-ebook-introducing-windows-server-2012-rtm-edition.aspx

Active Directory
http://www.azurecurve.co.uk/2012/04/how-to-install-a-domain-controller-in-windows-8-server-consumer-preview/

Now I have Windows 8 Preview running in my 2012 hyper-v server.  The most annoying thing is no start button.  But found a very simple work around.  More here. http://randelhall.blogspot.com/2012/06/start-menu-workarounds.html

Cool Feature List
http://www.aidanfinn.com/?p=11979
Licensing http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57467015-75/microsoft-reveals-versions-licensing-for-windows-server/?tag=rb_content;contentBody
OLD NEWS

Download the preinstall VHD from Technet and starting to look around.  I still unlike the beta process since the RTM will function differently, but in this case I thought I would a least look into the feature.  While installing and playing with Windows 8 I will be post URL and links here. I was going to make some screenshots and share but this has already been done to death on the web.
Install
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Windows-Server-8-beta-Installation.html

Windows Key and short list of RDP shortcuts
http://blogs.technet.com/b/keithmayer/archive/2012/06/07/passing-the-windows-key-to-a-remote-rdp-session-with-windowsserver2012.aspx
Keyboard Shortcuts
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-consumer-preview-windows-key-keyboard-shortcuts-142358
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Shortcuts-Windows-8-Shortcuts-Keyboard-shortcuts-List,news-37996.html

I also wanted to get rid of IEESC and just go to server manager but click on local server and in the properties section look for IE Enhanced Security Configuration, you click on the word On which is just a link.

Start Menu Workarounds

So I now have Windows 8/2012 demos running in my new Windows 2012 hyper-v server. The most annoying thing is no start button. But found I have found some simple workarounds.

Start Button Replacements

1 - Keyboard Shortcuts - These are a great way to go with more info and links below

Keyboard Shortcuts
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-consumer-preview-windows-key-keyboard-shortcuts-142358

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Shortcuts-Windows-8-Shortcuts-Keyboard-shortcuts-List,news-37996.html

2 - Pin Icons to your Taskbar.  Just pin control panel and powershell to your taskbar by the following steps.  Press windows+R and type powershell.  Type control in PS windows.  Pin control panel to your taskbar.  Note that I like powershell so I pinned it as well.  Note that PS and Server Managers are already pinned in server version.

3 - Add Desktop Toolbar.  Just right click your toolbar > toolbars and then select Desktop
http://randelhall.blogspot.com/2012/12/poor-man-start-menu-missing-your-start.html

More Tips and Tricks

In RDP window I had to maximize the screen to get the the touch points working.

I also wanted to get rid of IE ESC. (Enhanced Security Config)  Just go to server manager but click on local server and in the properties section look for IE Enhanced Security Configuration, you click on the word On which is just a link.  I turn off for both admins and users :)

Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate Hyper-V

Client Hyper-V Its offical - we have a new name - On windows 8 it is now called client hyper-v
http://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh857623.aspx

Free Ebook
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2012/06/04/free-ebook-introducing-windows-server-2012.aspx

Preview of Hyper-V Server 2012
http://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2012/06/whats-new-in-windows-server-2012-release-candidate-hyper-v-scale/

Good Blog Article on Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Port ACLs
http://www.aidanfinn.com/?p=12634
What's New in Windows Server 2012
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831769.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831410.aspx

Moving VM

http://blogs.technet.com/b/meamcs/archive/2012/03/14/solved-how-to-move-a-hyper-v-virtual-machine-without-exporting-it-first.aspx

Windows Server 2012 Downloads
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx

Windows Server 2012 Keyboard Shortcuts
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831491.aspx#BKMK_keys

Hyper-V Virtual Switch Overview
articles
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831823.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831452.aspx
video
http://blogs.technet.com/b/server-cloud/archive/2011/11/08/windows-server-8-introducing-hyper-v-extensible-switch.aspx

More Shortcuts
Open Control Panel
PS> control

Microsoft Future

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-roadmap-leaks-for-office-15-ie-10-and-more-key-products/12417

6433A - Planning and Implementing Windows Server 2008

General Class Information
Primary training resource for Exam 70-646 preparation (MCITP: Server Administrator certification)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Course.aspx?ID=6433A
Covers Windows Server 2008 and Windows 2008 R2 SP1

Student Prerequisites
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Course.aspx?ID=6433A#tab3
This course requires that you meet the following prerequisites:
At least one year experience in implementing server plans
Technology skills equivalent to course 6418C: Deploying Windows Server 2008
Also, the following prerequisite certifications would support your preparation for attending this
course (6433A) and related exam (70-646):
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration - Equivalent courses: 6425C and 6426C
MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration - Equivalent course: 6421B
 
Module 1 - Planning Server Deployment and Upgrade

Module 2 - Planning Server Management and Delegated Administration

Module 3 - Planning Network Addressing and Name Resolution

Module 4 - Planning and Provisioning Active Directory Domain Services

Module 5 - Planning Group Policy Strategy

Module 6 - Planning Active Directory Certificate Services

Module 7 - Planning and Provisioning Application Servers

Module 8 - Planning File and Print Services

Module 9 - Planning Network Access

Module 10 - Provisioning Data and Storage

Module 11 - Planning Update Deployment

Module 12 - Planning High Availability

Module 13 - Performance and Event Monitoring

Module 14 - Enterprise Backup and Recovery

Setup Windows Server 2008 R2 as a workstation

Great list of features tweaks and software tools to add to your 2008 R2 Server working as a workstation

Server Manager
Configure IE ESC - Off for admin and users
Start the “Windows Audio” service and set startup to “Automatic”.

Add Features
“Wireless LAN Service”

"Desktop Experience"
Windows 7 components: Windows Media Player, Desktop themes, Video for Windows (AVI support), Windows SideShow, Windows Defender, Disk Cleanup, Sync Center, Sound Recorder, Character Map, and Snipping Tool.

GPO
Local Policies>Security Options> enable “Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL”.

Local Computer Policies>Administrative Templates>Computer Configuration>System>disable "Display Shutdown Event Tracker”

Local Computer Policies>Computer Configuration>Windows Settings>Security Settings>Local Policies>User Rights Assignment> Add the User or Interactive to the “Shut down the system”

More tweaks
Advanced system settings>Performance Settings>Advanced>Processor Scheduling> click programs

Now add the tools
PDF - Foxit
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/

Paint
http://paint.net/
snipping tool - already installed by adding desktop experience

Media Tools
VLC media player for Windows:
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html

Codec - Download K-Lite Codec Pack:
http://www.codecguide.com/download_kl.h

Podcast Tools
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
http://www.freeyoutubetomp3converter.org/
http://www.mp3-joiner.net/

Archive - Add 7 Zip
http://www.7-zip.org/

Disk Space - WinDirStat
http://windirstat.sourceforge.net/

References:
http://4sysops.com/archives/windows-server-2008-r2-server-the-perfect-workstation-os/
http://www.petri.co.il/tools-for-customizing-windows-server-2008-as-a-workstation.htm
http://www.petri.co.il/customizing-windows-server-2008-as-a-workstation.htm