To complete the exercises in this chapter, ensure you have a PC running Windows 11 Pro, equipped with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, 500 MB of available disk space, and an active internet connection.

As you embark on this section, you might initially question the relevance of learning about computer networking when your primary interest lies in Windows Server. This concern is valid at first glance. However, as you progress deeper into the realm of Windows Server, you will increasingly recognize the importance of a solid understanding of computer networks.

This chapter covers foundational concepts—such as IP addressing, subnetting, and network components—that are integral to effectively managing server environments. By understanding these basics, you’ll gain the context needed to approach Windows Server tasks with confidence, making it easier to handle real-world configurations and troubleshooting down the line. While the book will focus on Windows Server, these networking principles serve as the backbone of every server environment, giving you the tools to navigate server management with precision...

In order for a computer to effectively communicate within a network, an IP address is required, serving as its unique identifier on that network. Think of an IP address as a device’s unique identifier, similar to a postal address. In server management, IP addressing enables you to define the network structure and configure devices to communicate efficiently within and across networks.

In more complex networks, subnetting is used to define specific segments within the larger network structure, dividing it into smaller, more manageable parts. This segmentation enhances both security and performance—two key factors when managing Windows Server environments, where maintaining streamlined communication and data flow is essential.

Currently, two leading IP addressing technologies are recognized globally: IPv4 and IPv6. Despite the increasing prominence of IPv6, IPv4 remains the predominant addressing standard in internet traffic...

Since we have already defined the server concept earlier, let us now focus on Windows Server in this section. Over its history, Windows Server has evolved from a primary file server to a sophisticated operating system capable of managing complex network environments such as corporate networks. It serves various network functions, such as domain controllers, web servers, print servers, and file servers, and it also acts as a platform for running enterprise applications such as Exchange Server, SQL Server, and SharePoint Server. With its robust performance and advanced security features, Windows Server now plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of cloud computing.

Understanding server hardware and software

As previously mentioned, computer hardware and software encompass both physical and logical components. Because servers are tasked with providing network services to clients, they require robust hardware. This hardware is designed to support...

A NOS is specialized software designed to manage, maintain, and provide various services within a network environment. These services include file and application sharing, web services, authentication and authorization, access control, user and computer administration, configuration tools, resource management, and other network-related functions. Consequently, a NOS plays a crucial role in effectively managing network resources.

A NOS forms the foundation of server functionality, enabling centralized control of network resources and client-server interactions. Windows Server 2025 functions as a NOS, offering tools and features tailored for seamless device management, application hosting, and data handling. Understanding the role of a NOS is essential for fully leveraging Windows Server’s capabilities.

Prominent examples of NOSs today are Windows Server, Linux Server, and macOS Server, each capable of delivering comprehensive network...

If someone were to ask, “What is Windows Server?” you might respond with the following: Windows Server is a server operating system developed by Microsoft, part of the Windows NT family. In server environments—whether using Windows Server, Linux Server, or macOS Server—the primary objective is to ensure the system provides the necessary services to support an organization’s network. However, there are significant differences among these systems in terms of deployment processes, user interfaces, resource management, and server maintenance. These distinctions can significantly influence the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the server’s operation within an enterprise environment.

To understand its development, let’s explore the different eras of Windows Server and how it has evolved over the years.

Windows Server eras overview

For nearly 30 years, beginning with the masses era...

Windows Server 2025, illustrated in Figure 1.12, is the latest release in Microsoft’s Windows NT family of server operating systems, generally available as of November 2024. Announced on 26 January 2024, Windows Server 2025 marks a shift from its predecessors—such as Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022—which were built on Windows 10. This new version is based on Windows 11, specifically version 23H2 from the October 2023 update. Unlike Windows 11, Windows Server 2025 does not mandate TPM 2.0 for deployment, thus providing increased flexibility for varied deployment needs.

Figure 1.12 – Windows Server’s 2025 Desktop and Start menu

In today’s cloud-centric era, server operating systems must be designed with cloud capabilities in mind. This trend began with Windows Server 2016, which Microsoft aptly named Windows Server for the cloud. This focus has only intensified with subsequent releases...

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, new products are often initially perceived as mere incremental updates to their predecessors. This sentiment might also apply to Windows Server 2025 at first glance, suggesting only superficial enhancements over Windows Server 2022. However, a closer examination of Windows Server 2025 reveals substantial improvements and new features. The following subsections aim to highlight some of the most significant differences and advancements between these two operating systems.

When comparing Windows Server 2025 with its predecessor, Windows Server 2022, several notable advancements and enhancements become apparent:

• AD DS enhancements:
  • Windows Server 2025: Introduces a larger 32k database page size for AD, enhancing scalability. New schema updates extend AD functionality, and enterprise administrators can repair objects with missing core attributes.
  • Windows...

Before discussing the specific system requirements, it’s important to distinguish between the minimum and recommended hardware specifications. The minimum requirements allow for the basic installation and operation of the OS, while the recommended specifications ensure optimal performance and user experience. Understanding these requirements is crucial for selecting the appropriate hardware to match the intended usage and workloads. According to Microsoft’s publications, Windows Server 2025 maintains hardware requirements similar to those of its predecessors.

The following are the minimum system requirements:

• Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
• RAM: 512 MB (2 GB for the Desktop Experience installation option)
• Disk space: 32 GB
• Network: Ethernet adapter capable of at least 1 gigabit throughput
• Graphics device and monitor: Capable of Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution...

In this chapter’s exercise, you will be guided through the process of downloading Windows Server 2025. This version introduces several advanced features and improvements designed to enhance server performance, security, and management. By carefully following the outlined steps, you will learn how to access and download the installation files, ensuring that you are prepared to work with the latest version of Microsoft’s server operating system. This exercise is essential for IT professionals looking to stay up to date with industry standards and leverage the new capabilities of Windows Server 2025 in their environments.

Downloading Windows Server 2025

To download Windows Server 2025 on your Windows 11 computer, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type Microsoft-edge: and press Enter.
3. In Microsoft Edge, click on the address bar and type https://www.microsoft...

In this chapter’s exercise, you will be guided through the steps required to download and set up Windows Admin Center. This tool serves as a centralized management interface for Windows Server environments, providing a streamlined approach to administering multiple servers and devices. By following the detailed instructions, you’ll learn how to obtain and install Windows Admin Center, setting the foundation for efficient server management and configuration through its intuitive, web-based interface. This exercise is crucial for IT professionals seeking to enhance their ability to manage Windows Server resources with greater ease and control.

Downloading Windows Admin Center

To download Windows Admin Center on your Windows 11 computer, follow these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cloud- platform/windows-admin-center.
2. Click the Download Windows Admin...

In this chapter, you have explored the foundational concepts of computer networks and gained insights into Windows Server. Specifically, you have been introduced to various types, components, and architectures of computer networks, as well as IP addressing and subnetting. Additionally, you have learned about server hardware and software, different server sizes, form factors, and NOSs. This chapter also provided a comprehensive overview of the Windows Server timeline.

In the Windows Server eras overview section, you examined the evolution of the various versions of Windows Server 2025. You also compared the differences between Windows Server 2022 and Windows Server 2025, including their minimum and recommended system requirements. Furthermore, you delved into Windows Server 2025, Linux Server, and the macOS Server NOS.

The chapter also included practical exercises that guided you through downloading Windows Server 2025 from the Technet Evaluation Center portal and Windows...

1. True or false: The computer network architecture is a design that enables computers to communicate using the request-response paradigm.
2. Fill in the blanks: ________________ usually requests access to resources, and ________________ is responsible for providing and managing access to the resources.
3. Multiple choice: Which of the following are considered to be types of computer networks? (Choose all that apply)
   • PAN
   • LAN
   • MAN
   • WAN
   • All of the above
4. True or false: Windows Server is Microsoft’s operating system and is part of the Windows NT family.
5. Fill in the blank: ________________ can provide network services such as domain controllers, web servers, print servers, and file servers.
6. True or false: The subnet helps to identify a specific network within the overall network.
7. Multiple choice: Which of the following are considered to be network architectures? (Choose two)
   • Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
   • Client/server
   • Network Operating System (NOS)
   • Network topology
8. True...

• What is computer networking?: https://www.ibm.com/topics/networking
• What’s new in Windows Server 2025: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-windows-server-2025
• Linux vs. Windows Server: The Ultimate Comparison: https://phoenixnap.com/ blog/Linux-vs-Microsoft-windows-servers
• Windows Admin Center overview: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/understand/windows-admin-center