Windows Server 2016

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If you are MCSA certified on Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2008, you might want to upgrade your certification to Windows Server 2016. Fortunately you don’t have to go through the whole curriculum again and can just upgrade to MCSA Windows Server 2016 with one exam.

As an upgrade certification, 70-473 mainly verifies that you know the new features and differences compared to Windows Server 2012, so a very nice starting point is to review all the “What’s new in Windows Server 2016” sections for the different technologies and study their prerequisites, deployments methods and management techniques. The outline of this certification is located here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-70-743.aspx

Generally speaking the Windows Server 2016 docs center is a wealth of information and you can access it here: https://technet.microsoft.com/windows-server-docs/get-started/Windows-Server-2016

Below is my list of links mapping to the different exam categories. This list is here to help you review before going to the exam, but of course is not sufficient to pass and you will need some hands-on experience to succeed.

Install Windows Servers in host and compute environments

There has been some significant improvements in the toolset you use to manage Windows, including a whole set of commands to manage the new DIY edition of Windows: Nano Server. In this area we check your basic knowledge of DSC to manage configurations of Windows, and let me remind you that you cannot anymore switch from graphical to core editions of Windows and vice/versa. Very importantly we want to make sure you know how to service images online or offline.

General changes related to installation and management are documented here – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/management/management-and-automation

Implement storage solutions

In this section we verify that you know how to configure a resilient storage infrastructure including support for DCB, Multipath IO and SMB 3.0. We verify that you know the scenarios and mechanisms for Storage replica server to server, cluster-to-cluster and in stretch cluster topology.

General changes related to storage are documented here: What’s new in storage in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/whats-new-in-storage

Implement Server Storage

What’s new in Storage Replica for Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/storage-replica/storage-replica-overview
VIDEO: Storage Replica in Windows Server 2016 – https://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/windowsserver/Storage-Replica-in-Windows-Server-2016
VIDEO: Drill into Storage Replica in Windows Server 2016 https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/2689
Frequently Asked Questions about Storage Replica – https://technet.microsoft.com/windows-server-docs/storage/storage-replica/storage-replica-frequently-asked-questions
Cluster to cluster Storage Replication – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/storage-replica/cluster-to-cluster-storage-replication
Server to Server Storage Replication – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/storage-replica/server-to-server-storage-replication
Storage Quality of Service – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/storage-qos/storage-qos-overview

Implement Data Deduplication

What’s New in Data Deduplication – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/data-deduplication/whats-new
VIDEO: Data Deduplication in Windows Server 2016 – https://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/windowsserver/Data-Deduplication-in-Windows-Server-2016
Understanding Data Deduplication – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/data-deduplication/understand
Data Deduplication CmdLets – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh848450.aspx
Set-DedupVolume – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh848438.aspx

Implement Hyper-V

Hyper-V has evolved and now allows nested virtualization, secure boot with Linux VM, and PowerShell direct. Production checkpoints allows to do VM “snapshots” that are using VSS providers so that you can use that as a valid “backup”. Shielded VM (preventing the fabric administrator to access the VM data and to run the VM in another fabric.) are also a topic to work before you go to the exam.

All the details are here: What’s new on Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/what-s-new-in-hyper-v-on-windows

Install and configure Hyper-V

System requirements for Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/system-requirements-for-hyper-v-on-windows
Set up hosts for live migration without Failover Clustering – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/deploy/set-up-hosts-for-live-migration-without-failover-clustering
Hyper-V CmdLets – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh848559.aspx
Manage Windows virtual machines with PowerShell Direct – https://technet.microsoft.com/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/manage/manage-windows-virtual-machines-with-powershell-direct
Hyper-V feature compatibility by generation and guest – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/hyper-v-feature-compatibility-by-generation-and-guest

Configure virtual machine (VM) settings

Choose between standard or production checkpoints in Hyper-V – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/manage/choose-between-standard-or-production-checkpoints-in-hyper-v
Manage Windows virtual machines with PowerShell Direct – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/manage/manage-windows-virtual-machines-with-powershell-direct
Run Hyper-V in a Virtual Machine with Nested Virtualization – https://msdn.microsoft.com/virtualization/hyperv_on_windows/user_guide/nesting

Configure Hyper-V storage

Understand Microsoft Hyper Converged Solution – https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/Understand-Hyper-Converged-bae286dd

Configure Hyper-V networking

Hyper-V Virtual Switch Reference – https://technet.microsoft.com/windows-server-docs/networking/technologies/hyper-v-virtual-switch/hyper-v-virtual-switch

Implement Windows containers

Containers is a new way to deploy and manage applications in Windows. You can deploy and manage containers using Docker on Windows as on Linux.

Windows Containers Documentation – https://msdn.microsoft.com/virtualization/windowscontainers/containers_welcome

Deploy Windows containers

Windows container requirements – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/deployment/system_requirements
Windows Containers – https://msdn.microsoft.com/virtualization/windowscontainers/about/about_overview
Windows Containers vs. Hyper-V Containers in Windows Server 2016 – http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/33664.windows-containers-vs-hyper-v-containers-in-windows-server-2016.aspx
Windows Containers Quickstart – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/quick_start/quick_start
Manage data in containers – https://docs.docker.com/engine/tutorials/dockervolumes/
Understanding Docker for Absolute Beginners – http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/34082.understanding-docker-for-absolute-beginners.aspx

Manage Windows containers

Docker and Windows – https://docs.docker.com/engine/installation/windows/ and https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-windows/
Docker Engine on Windows – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/docker/configure_docker_daemon
Container Networking – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/management/container_networking
Optimize Windows Dockerfiles https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/windowscontainers/docker/optimize_windows_dockerfile
Patching Docker Containers – The Balance of Secure and Functional – https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/stevelasker/2016/10/15/patching-docker-containers/

Implement high availability

Just to name a few important features to work on: Cluster Operating System Rolling Upgrade, Storage Replica and cloud witness

What’s new in Failover Clustering in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/failover-clustering/whats-new-in-failover-clustering

Implement high availability and disaster recovery options in Hyper-V

Cluster Node Fairness- https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/clustering/2016/04/29/failover-cluster-node-fairness-in-windows-server-2016/
Virtual Machine Load Balancing overview – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/failover-clustering/vm-load-balancing-overview

Implement failover clustering

Cloud Witness – https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/clustering/2014/11/13/introducing-cloud-witness/
VIDEO: Windows Server 2016 Failover Clustering – https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/3133
Cluster operating system rolling upgrade – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/failover-clustering/cluster-operating-system-rolling-upgrade

Implement Storage Spaces Direct

Storage Space Direct in WS 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/storage-spaces/storage-spaces-direct-overview
VIDEO: Storage Spaces Direct in Windows Server 2016 – https://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/windowsserver/Storage-Spaces-Direct-in-Windows-Server-2016
VIDEO: Storage Spaces Direct, the ultimate software-defined storage for Hyper-V – https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/2771
Health Service in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/failover-clustering/health-service-overview

Manage failover clustering

Failover Cluster Cmdlets in Windows PowerShell – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh847239.aspx
Failover Clustering Sets for Start Ordering – https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/clustering/2016/10/10/failover-clustering-sets-for-start-ordering/

Manage VM movement in clustered nodes

Fault domain awareness in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/failover-clustering/fault-domains

Implement Domain Name System (DNS)

The DNS service in Windows Server 2016 implements a couple of new features like policies which allows you to send different results to client request based on criteria like subnets or hour of the day. It allows also to query IPv6 root hints by default and has a request pacer to limit request-intensive clients.

What’s new in DNS in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/dns/what-s-new-in-dns-server

Install and configure DNS servers

DNS Policies Overview – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/dns/deploy/dns-policies-overview
VIDEO: Reduce cost and increase flexibility with Windows Server 2016 DDI in your datacenter – https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/3125

Implement IP Address Management (IPAM)

Windows IPAM has new scenarios and integrated management possibilities. It will basically allows you to manage more efficiently your DNS and DHCP infrastructure without having the need to logon to the different consoles and granting you a better view on the whole infrastructure, physical or virtualized with VMM.

What’s new in IPAM – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/technologies/ipam/what-s-new-in-ipam

Install and configure IPAM

IPAM Deployment Planning – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj878312(v=ws.11).aspx
VIDEO: Reduce cost and increase flexibility with Windows Server 2016 DDI in your datacenter – https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/3125

Manage DNS and DHCP using IPAM

VIDEO: Windows Server 2016: DNS management in IPAM- https://channel9.msdn.com/blogs/windowsserver/windows-server-2016-dns-management-in-ipam
Manage IPAM – https://technet.microsoft.com/windows-server-docs/networking/technologies/ipam/manage-ipam
IP Address Management (IPAM) Server Cmdlets in Windows PowerShell – https://technet.microsoft.com/library/jj553807.aspx
Manage Role Based Access Control with Server Manager – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/technologies/ipam/manage-role-based-access-control-with-server-manager
Manage Role Based Access Control with Windows PowerShell – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/technologies/ipam/manage-role-based-access-control-with-windows-powershell

Implement network connectivity and remote access solutions

DirectAcccess had no major evolution in Windows Server 2016, so you can rely on your Windows Server 2012 R2 knowledge. Most of the new features are related to SDN multi-tenant gateway implementation and BGP support.

Implement virtual private network (VPN) and DirectAccess solutions

DirectAccess Reference – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/remote-access/directaccess/directaccess
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/remote-access/bgp/border-gateway-protocol-bgp
RAS Gateway – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/remote-access/ras-gateway/ras-gateway

Implement an advanced network infrastructure

In this section, we evaluate your knowledge of the new SDN architecture of Windows Server 2016. It now has a real SDN controller which is acting as a central point to manage and deploy network definitions and policies via software calls.

Windows Server 2016 Supported Networking Scenarios – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/windows-server-2016-supported-networking-scenarios

Implement high performance network solutions

Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) and Switch Embedded Teaming (SET) – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt403349.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396
Create a New NIC Team on a Host Computer or VM – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/technologies/nic-teaming/create-a-new-nic-team-on-a-host-computer-or-vm

Determine scenarios and requirements for implementing software-defined networking (SDN)

Network Controller – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn859239.aspx
VIDEO: Microsegment and secure your networks with the Azure inspired Software Defined Networking- https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/2872
Plan for Hyper-V networking in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/compute/hyper-v/plan/plan-for-hyper-v-networking-in-windows-server-2016
Software Load Balancing (SLB) for SDN – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/sdn/technologies/network-function-virtualization/software-load-balancing–slb–for-sdn
VIDEO: Software-defined Networking Load Balancer in Windows Server 2016 – https://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/windowsserver/Software-defined-Networking-Load-Balancer-in-Windows-Server-2016
RAS Gateway for SDN – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/sdn/technologies/network-function-virtualization/ras-gateway-for-sdn
System Center Technologies for Software Defined Networking – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/networking/sdn/sc-tech-for-sdn

Install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

AD has new features mainly related to Azure AD integration, better security and Just in Time Admin concepts. For the exam, we will also check that you know how to administer replication topology and FSMO roles operations in PowerShell.

What’s new in Active Directory Domain Services for Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/whats-new-active-directory-domain-services

Install and configure domain controllers

VIDEO: Ten Reasons you’ll love Windows Server 2016: Active Directory and Identity – https://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/windowsserver/Active-Directory-and-Identity
Advanced Active Directory Replication and Topology Management Using Windows PowerShell – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-ds/manage/powershell/advanced-active-directory-replication-and-topology-management-using-windows-powershell–level-200-
Move-ADDirectoryServerOperationMasterRole – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh852302(v=wps.630).aspx

Implement identity federation and access solutions

In this section, we exam the new features and mostly evaluate your PowerShell skills as most of the configuration happens here in scripting.

Install and configure Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)

What’s new in Active Directory Federation Services for Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-fs/overview/whats-new-active-directory-federation-services-windows-server-2016
VIDEO: What’s new in Active Directory Federation and domain services in Windows Server 2016 – https://myignite.microsoft.com/videos/20528
Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2 AD FS Deployment Guide – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-fs/deployment/windows-server-2012-r2-ad-fs-deployment-guide

Implement Web Application Proxy (WAP)

Web Application Proxy in Windows Server 2016 – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/web-application-proxy/web-application-proxy-windows-server
Publishing Applications using AD FS Preauthentication – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/web-application-proxy/publishing-applications-using-ad-fs-preauthentication
Publishing Applications with WAP for SharePoint, Exchange and RDG – https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/web-application-proxy/publishing-applications-with-sharepoint,-exchange-and-rdg

Good luck for the exam! Would be happy to hear if that helped you pass!

Arnaud

Arnaud Lheureux

Azure Architect @ Microsoft

Preparation guide for 70-743 – Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA: Windows Server 2016

Install Windows Servers in host and compute environments

Install, upgrade, and migrate servers and workloads

Install and configure Nano Server

Create, manage, and maintain images for deployment