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Administration of Computer Networks I

Course developers

Prior knowledge

DatZ2016, Operating Systems I

DatZ2017, Operating Systems II

InfT2045, Computer Hardware

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to prepare IT specialists for the implementation and maintenance of server operating systems developed by Microsoft in the computer network of the institution.
Within the study course, students learn the working methods of a Windows Server computer network administrator, acquire knowledge, skills and competencies about planning and administering Microsoft Server roles, and learn how to create, manage users, groups, computer network resources.
The continuation of this study course is the course “Computer Network Administration II” (DatZ4007), within which students learn UNIX-like server operating systems.
The course is intended to be implemented as full-time classes, which include lectures, laboratory work and independent work.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge:
•Students acquire knowledge about Microsoft Server operating systems, Directory services, and get acquainted with the basics of Microsoft Azure - passed test No.1. and developed independent work;
•Students acquire knowledge about Microsoft Server roles and services - passed test No.2.;
•Students acquire knowledge about the implementation, monitoring and maintenance of Windows Server security, as well as deepen the knowledge about server hardware acquired in the study course “Computer Architecture” (InfT2045) - passed test No.3.
Skills:
•Students are able to independently install the Windows Server operating system, add roles and services both on the local server and on the server on the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform - laboratory work and independent work have been developed;
•Students are able to create and manage Windows Server user accounts, user groups, sharing resources, and Web sites using both on-premises and remote administration tools - developed laboratory work;
•Students are able to create group policy objects and apply them to the management of computers, printing devices and user desktops in the Microsoft domain - laboratory works have been developed.
Competencies:
•Students are able to show an understanding of Windows Server roles, services, administration tools and are able to choose the most appropriate solutions for a particular computer network - laboratory work is defended;
•Students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the implementation of Windows Server infrastructure using on-premises, hybrid and cloud technologies - independent work has been developed.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to the study course, creation and configuration of a virtual laboratory work environment (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
2. Microsoft operating system overview, Windows Server licensing and installation, Microsoft Azure basics (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
3. Directory services, creating a domain controller, Windows security basics and logging in to the network (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
4. Overview of Windows Server administration tools and remote administration methods, Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Windows PowerShell (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
5. Creation and management of Windows Server user accounts (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
6. Creation and management of Windows Server user groups (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
7. Windows Server shared files and folders (lecture 1 hour).
Test No.1. Microsoft server operating systems, directory services, account and group management (1 hour in laboratory nature).
8. Microsoft web IIS server (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
9. Shared printing equipment (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
10. Windows Server Security and Group Policy (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1hour).
11. Computer and user desktop management with group policies (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
12. Introduction to Windows Server Security Implementation, Firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (lecture 1 hour).
Test No.2. Microsoft server sharing files and folders, IIS server, group policies (1 hour in laboratory nature).
13. Monitoring, maintenance and backup of Windows Server (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
14. Server hardware review, part 1 of the lecture (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
15. Server equipment review, part 2 of the lecture (lecture 1 hour, laboratory work 1 hour).
16. Windows Server local, virtualization, hybrid and cloud technologies (lecture 1 hour).
Test No.3. Server maintenance, security and server hardware (1 hour in laboratory nature).

Requirements for awarding credit points

Attendance at lectures must be above 75%, if absences above 25%, a report must be prepared on the topics not attended.
Theory tests must be passed.
All laboratory works and independent works must be developed and credited, for each laboratory work and independent work in the e-learning environment of LLU a work task and a description of the evaluation criteria of the results to be achieved are placed.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The student must independently prepare a theory test, study literature and Internet resources.
The student must independently prepare for the laboratory work, using the job description and video recordings in the e-learning environment.
As part of the independent work, the student must create a Microsoft Azure for Students account, learn Microsoft Azure communication, create a server with Windows Server operating system in the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Test with a mark.
The final grade of the test consists of the arithmetic mean of three tests, to which are added additional points for laboratory works.
Tests are created in the LLU e-learning system, the student takes the tests in a computer class during laboratory work, the tests are assessed with a mark in the 10-point system, a successful mark can be obtained if at least 40% of the test questions are answered correctly by rewriting the failed tests, the test score is reduced by 1 point.
Laboratory works and independent work are assessed with a test without a mark, but for each laboratory work developed and passed in time, the student gets 0.1 points at the test.

Compulsory reading

1. Perrott S. Windows Server 2022 & Powershell All-in-One For Dummies. IJohn Wiley & Sons Inc, 2022. 784 p.
2. Eckert J. Hands-On Microsoft® Windows Server 2019. 3rd Edition. Course Technology Inc, 2020. 624 p.

Further reading

1. Krause J. Mastering Windows Server 2019: The complete guide for IT professionals to install and manage Windows Server 2019 and deploy new capabilities. 2nd Edition. Packt Publishing Limited, 2019. 524 p.
2. Francis D. Mastering Active Directory: Design, deploy, and protect Active Directory Domain Services for Windows Server 2022. Packt Publishing Limited, 2021. 788 p.
3. Bertram A. Powershell For Sysadmins: Workflow Automation Made Eas. US: No Starch Press, 2020. 320 p.
4. Panek W. MCSA Windows Server 2016 Complete Study Guide. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2018. 1258 p.

Periodicals and other sources

Kursa lekciju slaidi un citi materiāli LLU e-vidē (Moodle)

Notes

Compulsory course in the academic bachelor study program “Computer Management and Computer Science” and in the professional higher education bachelor study program “Information Technologies for Sustainable Development”.