Welcome, Dev! In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, and businesses rely heavily on digital tools to stay efficient and competitive. Windows Server provides a powerful platform for managing and leveraging these tools, and there are many features and utilities available that can help you take your work to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the best Windows Server tools that are essential for any Dev looking to optimize their workflow, reduce downtime, and boost productivity.
1. Active Directory
Active Directory is a crucial tool for managing user permissions, authentication, and security in a Windows Server environment. It allows you to centralize control over user accounts, computers, and other resources, simplifying IT management and ensuring that security policies are enforced consistently across your network. With Active Directory, you can also create and manage groups, delegate administrative tasks, and apply policies to different users or groups based on their roles and responsibilities.
How can I get started with Active Directory?
To use Active Directory, you’ll need to set up a domain controller and configure your network to join the domain. You can then create user accounts, groups, and other resources using the Active Directory Users and Computers tool. To delegate administrative tasks or apply policies, you can use the Group Policy Management Console.
What are some best practices for using Active Directory?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use role-based access control | Assign permissions and policies based on users’ roles and responsibilities to ensure security and compliance. |
| Ensure high availability | Set up multiple domain controllers and use replication to ensure that your Active Directory data is always available. |
| Regularly audit and review permissions | Perform regular audits of your Active Directory permissions and review them to ensure that they are still necessary and appropriate. |
2. Windows Remote Management
Windows Remote Management (WinRM) is a command-line tool that allows you to manage remote Windows servers or workstations from a central location. With WinRM, you can run commands, scripts, or applications remotely, without having to log in to each machine individually. This can save time and reduce the risk of errors or security breaches.
How can I use WinRM on Windows Server?
To use WinRM, you’ll need to enable it on the remote machine and configure it to accept incoming connections. You can then use the WinRM command-line tool or PowerShell to connect to the remote machine and run commands or scripts.
What are some best practices for using WinRM?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable encryption and authentication | Configure WinRM to use HTTPS and mutual authentication to encrypt and secure your connections. |
| Limit access to WinRM | Use firewall rules or IP filters to limit access to WinRM only to authorized machines or users. |
| Use PowerShell remoting | PowerShell remoting provides a more powerful and flexible way to manage remote machines and execute commands. |
3. Windows Backup
Backup is an essential component of any IT strategy, and Windows Backup provides a reliable and cost-effective way to protect your data and systems against disasters or accidents. With Windows Backup, you can create full or incremental backups of your files, settings, and applications, and store them on a local drive or a network location. You can also schedule backups to run automatically, and restore your data easily in case of a failure.
How can I use Windows Backup on Windows Server?
To use Windows Backup, you’ll need to install the feature from the Server Manager and configure the backup settings. You can choose which files or folders to include or exclude, schedule backup jobs, and specify the backup destination. You can also use the Recovery Wizard to restore your files or system settings.
What are some best practices for using Windows Backup?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a dedicated backup device | Use a dedicated backup drive or network location to store your backups, and keep them separate from your production systems. |
| Test your backups regularly | Regularly test your backups by restoring a few files or folders to ensure that they are working correctly. |
| Consider using a third-party backup tool | If you have more complex backup requirements or need more granular control over your backups, consider using a third-party backup tool that integrates with Windows Server. |
4. Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell is a command-line interface and scripting language that allows you to automate repetitive tasks, manage configurations, and troubleshoot issues in a Windows Server environment. With PowerShell, you can access and manipulate any component of the Windows operating system or any application that exposes a PowerShell interface. PowerShell is highly extensible, with thousands of modules and scripts available to download and use.
How can I get started with PowerShell on Windows Server?
To use PowerShell, you’ll need to open the PowerShell console or the Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) and start typing commands or scripts. You can use the Get-Help command to find more information about a command, and use the Tab key for auto-completion of commands and parameters.
What are some best practices for using PowerShell?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use version control for scripts | Use a version control tool like Git or SVN to manage your PowerShell scripts and track changes over time. |
| Use a consistent naming convention | Use a consistent naming convention for your scripts, functions, and variables to make them easier to understand and maintain. |
| Avoid hard-coding passwords or secrets | Use encrypted variables or secure strings to store sensitive information in your scripts, and avoid hard-coding passwords or other secrets. |
5. Remote Desktop Services
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a virtualization technology that allows you to deploy and manage applications or desktops in a remote environment, and provide secure access to them from any device or location. With RDS, you can create a Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) that hosts multiple user sessions, a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) that provides individual virtual desktops, or a RemoteApp that streams individual applications to users.
How can I set up RDS on Windows Server?
To set up RDS, you’ll need to install the Remote Desktop Services role from the Server Manager and configure the RDSH, VDI, or RemoteApp settings. You can also use Remote Desktop Connection Manager or Remote Desktop Web Access to manage and connect to your remote sessions or desktops.
What are some best practices for using RDS?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use RemoteFX for better graphics performance | RemoteFX provides a high-quality and responsive user experience for graphics-intensive applications or multimedia content. |
| Secure your remote connections | Use SSL/TLS encryption and two-factor authentication to secure your remote connections and prevent unauthorized access. |
| Optimize your server hardware | Ensure that your server hardware meets the recommended specifications for RDS, and use load balancing or resource allocation to optimize performance and availability. |
6. Hyper-V
Hyper-V is a native hypervisor in Windows Server that allows you to create and manage virtual machines and virtual networks. With Hyper-V, you can consolidate multiple physical servers into a single host, deploy new servers or applications quickly, and migrate virtual machines between hosts or datacenters. Hyper-V also provides advanced features for backup, recovery, and monitoring of your virtual environment.
How can I get started with Hyper-V on Windows Server?
To use Hyper-V, you’ll need to install the Hyper-V role from the Server Manager and create a virtual switch or network adapter. You can then create a new virtual machine and install an operating system or use a pre-configured template. You can use the Hyper-V Manager, PowerShell, or third-party tools to manage your virtual machines and virtual networks.
What are some best practices for using Hyper-V?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Generation 2 virtual machines | Generation 2 virtual machines provide improved performance and better security features than Generation 1 virtual machines. |
| Use dynamic memory and smart paging | Use dynamic memory and smart paging to optimize your virtual machine memory usage and prevent out-of-memory errors. |
| Enable virtual machine replication | Enable virtual machine replication to a secondary site or datacenter to ensure high availability and disaster recovery. |
7. Windows Deployment Services
Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is a tool that allows you to deploy Windows operating systems or custom images to multiple computers over the network. With WDS, you can automate the deployment process, reduce the time and effort required to deploy new computers, and ensure that the same configuration and settings are applied consistently across your organization.
How can I set up WDS on Windows Server?
To set up WDS, you’ll need to install the WDS role from the Server Manager and configure the WDS settings for your environment. You can then create and configure installation images, drivers, and packages using the Windows Deployment Wizard or the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM).
What are some best practices for using WDS?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use multicast for large deployments | Use multicast to optimize network bandwidth and reduce the time required to deploy images to multiple computers. |
| Configure your server hardware for performance | Ensure that your server hardware meets the recommended specifications for WDS, and use RAID arrays or high-speed disks to optimize performance. |
| Customize your installation images | Create custom installation images that include drivers, updates, and applications that are required for your organization, and automate the installation process using unattended scripts or answer files. |
8. Windows System Resource Manager
Windows System Resource Manager (WSRM) is a tool that allows you to manage and allocate system resources such as CPU, memory, and disk I/O to different applications or users based on their requirements or priorities. With WSRM, you can prevent resource contention, reduce the risk of crashes or slowdowns, and improve the overall performance and responsiveness of your applications.
How can I use WSRM on Windows Server?
To use WSRM, you’ll need to install the WSRM feature from the Server Manager and configure the resource allocation settings for your applications or users. You can then monitor and manage the system resource usage using the WSRM console or PowerShell commands.
What are some best practices for using WSRM?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Set resource limits based on user roles | Set resource limits for different user roles or departments based on their requirements or priorities, and adjust them as needed. |
| Use policies for automatic resource allocation | Create policies that automatically allocate resources based on predefined rules or conditions, and avoid manual intervention whenever possible. |
| Regularly review and adjust resource allocation | Regularly review and adjust your resource allocation policies or settings to ensure that they are still effective and aligned with your business goals. |
9. File Server Resource Manager
File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) is a tool that allows you to manage and monitor your file servers, and enforce policies for file screening, quota management, and reporting. With FSRM, you can prevent unauthorized file types, limit disk usage, and generate reports on file usage or storage trends. FSRM is especially useful in environments with many users or departments that share files or folders.
How can I use FSRM on Windows Server?
To use FSRM, you’ll need to install the FSRM feature from the Server Manager and configure the file screening, quota, and reporting settings for your file server. You can then monitor and manage your files or folders using the FSRM console or PowerShell commands.
What are some best practices for using FSRM?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Set quota limits based on user roles | Set quota limits for different user roles or departments based on their file usage or importance, and adjust them as needed. |
| Use file screening to prevent malware or unauthorized files | Use file screening to prevent users from storing files that contain malware or are not compliant with your organization’s policies or regulations. |
| Monitor file usage and generate reports | Monitor your file server usage and generate reports on file types, sizes, access, or storage trends to optimize your storage and plan for future needs. |
10. Network Policy Server
The Network Policy Server (NPS) is a tool that allows you to enforce network access policies and authentication protocols, such as 802.1X, Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), or Certificate Services. With NPS, you can control who is allowed to access your network, what level of access they have, and how they are authenticated. You can also use NPS to audit and log network access events for compliance or troubleshooting purposes.
How can I use NPS on Windows Server?
To use NPS, you’ll need to install the Network Policy and Access Services role from the Server Manager and configure the NPS settings for your network access policy. You can then create and enforce policies for different users, groups, or devices, and monitor the network access and authentication logs using the NPS console.
What are some best practices for using NPS?
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use strong authentication protocols | Use 802.1X or RADIUS authentication protocols that support mutual authentication and encryption to prevent unauthorized access or attacks. |
| Regularly review and update your policies | Regularly review and update your network access policies and authentication settings to ensure that they are still effective and aligned with your business goals. |
| Monitor your network access logs | Monitor your network access logs regularly and investigate any anomalies or suspicious events to prevent security breaches or |