Free online courseWindows server 2012

Course Description

Step into real-world server administration by learning how Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 are planned, installed, and managed in professional environments. This free online course is designed for learners who want practical, job-relevant knowledge of core server concepts used in many organizations, from small business networks to enterprise data centers. You will build confidence making the same kinds of decisions administrators face daily, such as choosing the right edition, understanding licensing and client access requirements, and preparing hardware and system prerequisites for stable deployments.

Rather than treating setup as a one-time task, the course helps you think through the lifecycle of a Windows Server system. You will explore installation approaches, including Server Core and different interface options, and learn why selecting the right mode affects security, manageability, and resource usage. You will also gain clarity on upgrade planning, the tradeoffs between in-place upgrades and clean installs, and the conditions that should be met before moving to 2012 R2. Along the way, you will see how exporting and reusing configuration settings can speed up repeatable deployments and improve consistency.

Virtualization and storage are covered with a hands-on mindset. You will work with virtual hard disks and understand the practical differences between formats, sizing limits, and use cases, then connect that knowledge to deployment scenarios such as applying roles to offline VHDs. On the storage side, you will build a strong foundation around partitioning styles, file systems, and the reasoning behind choices like MBR versus GPT. You will also examine modern storage options in Windows Server, including Storage Spaces improvements, and how to balance performance and capacity in realistic setups.

Security and access control are treated as essential admin skills. You will learn how Windows approaches identity and permissions, how NTFS permissions behave through inheritance and advanced settings, and how to evaluate effective access to troubleshoot authorization issues quickly. File services are also addressed end to end: from creating shares and applying share versus NTFS permissions to working with SMB and NFS, offline file behaviors, quotas, shadow copies, and productivity-focused features like Work Folders. To round out day-to-day administration capabilities, the course also introduces printing components, prioritization, pooling, and permissions, plus updates in Group Policy that help you manage configurations at scale.

By the end, you will be better prepared to support Windows-based infrastructure with a clearer understanding of deployment choices, storage planning, secure access, and reliable file services. Whether you are starting in IT, refreshing your knowledge, or preparing for more advanced server and cloud-related roles, this course provides a solid, practical foundation you can apply immediately.