Dummies - For Dummies Windows Server 2008 All In One Desk Reference For Dummies

Introduction

Microsoft is determined to make a better operating system, and the company accomplished that goal with Windows Server 2008. Reliability, performance (as long as you have the required hardware), and security are all improved. In fact, security takes a front seat with Windows Server 2008. In Windows Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, you discover just how profound these changes are. I found myself impressed by many of the new features that Microsoft added and feel that the company has done a good job of putting together this version of Windows.

You come across many things to like in Windows Server 2008. Of course, you find the usual new features. Anyone who hasn’t seen IIS 7 should look because Microsoft finally provides a cleaner, easier-to-use interface with lots of good changes underneath. The new, managed version of IIS provides better performance because it doesn’t load everything (whether you need it or not). In addition, you find significant security improvements, better reliability, and full support for ASP.NET. That’s right! You can finally work with the developer to create a fully configurable managed Web application that can produce impressive results.

Security is a front-line consideration for Windows Server 2008. Microsoft attempts to secure everything in this version of Windows. For example, BitLocker encryption helps ensure that your data remains safe, even when someone sends an old computer to the dump without erasing the hard drive first. Reliance on User Account Control (UAC) ensures that even administrators can’t accidentally thwart an organization’s efforts to maintain a secure environment. Everything is also locked down better. No longer does Microsoft leave all the security doors open and hope that you lock them later. Windows Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies makes a special effort to describe all the security changes.

Unfortunately, nothing comes free. Spend more than a little time with Windows Server 2008 and you’ll find that some changes break applications and cause other problems. This book also helps you overcome any potential obstacles that can interfere with your Windows Server 2008 computing experience. The thing that impressed me most, however, was that the number of breaking changes is quite small, especially when you consider the considerable number of good changes you receive. Even so, Windows Server 2008 All-in- One Desk Reference For Dummies won’t leave you in the lurch to figure out the small number of changes that break applications — this book is all about finding the solutions you need.