Advanced Techniques for Experienced Windows Server Admins Beyond the Basics

A server is a computer which grants other computers access to centralized data and resources. Thus, a Microsoft Windows server administrator would ensure that your entire IT system will work as expected. Businesses that handle heavy data and have complex technical infrastructure would need a database administrator.

Having a server is crucial for a business. This is because it enables access controls to personalized information. This means only authorized personnel will be permitted access to given information. It will enable fast and easy data processing, along with confirming data security.

Advanced Microsoft Windows server administration Techniques

There are several Microsoft Windows server administration techniques that admins can use to cover essential functionalities. We have listed a few of the techniques that you can use.

Cmder

This helps to enhance the command-line experience of the Windows operating system. It helps to improve the PowerShell and Command Prompt experience. It has a user-friendly interface that is equipped with different features like split panes, colour schemes with customization options and Unix command support. System administrators and developers prioritise efficient command lines. It offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that has split panes which will enhance productivity. You can get various useful command-line tools and disposal for use. There are also different themes and colour schemes available that you can set according to your preferences. It also comes with a tabbed interface which will simplify multitasking and enhance the efficiency of command-line management. They can be easily connected with various popular text editors and IDEs. You might also get a portable system so you can use different systems. This is recommended for administrators who frequently work with the command line. The technique comes with advanced features and there are many customizable options. The best part is, that the tool is open-source and completely free.

WireShark

This is widely used in Microsoft Windows Server Administration as a traffic monitoring tool. It helps you to examine your network activity. Apart from Windows, you can use it for monitoring activities on other OS like Mac, Linux, etc. The tool comes with some great filtration capabilities. It lets you monitor the state of your network and track all the issues that arise over time. Its monitoring capabilities make this tool a popular choice for training as well as industrial purposes.

Zabbix

This tool is mainly used for monitoring servers and doing performance analysis. It gives the admins the capability to efficiently track different metrics. Through this, you can set up custom alerts and visualize the data for making quick and informed analytics. You can monitor critical performance indicators on a real-time basis. Zabbix can identify and resolve various server issues which will ensure optimal performance and availability. The tool comes with custom dashboards which helps with data visualization. It also has an advanced notification system that can potentially detect and address various issues. You can get historical data from here for trend analysis and planning the capacity. You can also integrate the tool with third-party systems to enable seamless operations. It has high scalability and flexibility which makes it a perfect choice for server environments of different sizes. This open-source solution is available for free.

Clonezilla

Disasters are inevitable and your business must be able to recover through it. Clonezilla offers free backup and is used as a disaster recovery tool. It helps to clone disks and individual hard disk partitions. It can help to prevent the permanent loss of your precious data and prepare you for disastrous situations. You can use this tool on single systems and large deployments. It will take the backup in other machines connected to the network. The tool supports a wide range of file systems including the extended ones. This is a must-have Microsoft Windows Server Administration tool for disaster recovery.

Dameware Remote Support

This tool can be used for efficient remote administration as well as troubleshooting purposes. It is a robust app which lets the admins access and troubleshoot the servers in a remote environment. It simplifies the overall work of server management. It helps with various administrative tasks by enabling file transfer and other system management work. It has an active directory management feature which is for streamlined users and resource managers. It has multi-platform support which will enhance flexibility. You can chat and share screens easily for collaborative troubleshooting. You can also record the sessions which will ensure accurate documentation. Thus, this tool has extensive features and is quite user-friendly. It is a paid tool but you will get a 14-day trial.

ManageEngine

This is the best suite of free Microsoft Windows server administration tools which can manage endpoints from a central space. This is not open-source but its free edition can be used for SMB managing up to 25 computers or mobiles. This suite has various Windows administration and management tools like remote control, software inventory, disk monitoring, patching, etc. It comes with central remote functionality that administrators can use for troubleshooting purposes on a given system from any location.

7-Zip

This server administration tool is known for its high speed and data compression capabilities. This is an open-source file archiver that supports various formats including zip, rar, tar, xz, etc. It has its proprietary format 7z that can generate self-extracting archive files. You can use it from a user-friendly graphic interface or directly from the command line. The tool has high adaptability and it can swiftly handle compressed files. This is one of the best tools that Windows server admins use frequently.

SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor

It helps to comprehensively monitor server and application performance. It gives you a detailed insight into different performance metrics which include CPU use, memory utilization, performance of the disk and the total response time of applications. The tool enables you to proactively identify and resolve issues before they can impact the performance of the server or overall user experience. It comes with a predefined and customizable monitoring template which will help you with efficient monitoring. This is a feature-rich solution that can do capacity planning and trend analysis. This will help optimize resource allocation. You can also store historical data to analyze and report so that the business can make informed decisions.

FileZilla

This Microsoft Windows Server Administration tool is perfect for administrators and clients who prefer GUI over command-line interfaces. This is a lightweight and cross-platform FTP client. With this, you can effortlessly connect to SSH secured hosts which enables easy file transfers. You can also get a Pro version of FileZilla which also supports different cloud storage, including Microsoft OneDrive. You can use it in Microsoft OS efficiently and it is recommended by anyone who prefers a graphical user interface.

ManageEngine OpManager

It is one of the most effective techniques that helps with extensive network monitoring and management of performance. It provides the administrators with real-time visibility of the performance along with server or application visibility. You can get a comprehensive network performance analysis and report with this. It is equipped with intelligent alerting along with root cause analysis which helps to detect issues promptly and come up with a resolution. You can also do capacity planning and monitor the bandwidth with this which enables optimization of resources. It can streamline operations by connecting with IT service management tools.

KeePass

This is one of the most reliable password management tools used by Windows server administrators. This free and open-source password manager generates robust and random passwords and stores them safely. Using this will help you maintain secure passwords for all your accounts and you will not need to remember them too. This is one of those tools that help you work with peace of mind, knowing all your data and applications are safe from security breaches.

Netwrix Auditor

This is a comprehensive auditing and compliance tool that is particularly designed for IT infrastructure. It gives you a detailed visibility of the changes, access permissions and configurations across different servers. The tool ensures data integrity by detecting security threats and complying with various regulatory requirements. It comes with automated changes and configuration auditing which ensures a consistent audit trail. You can link this with log management and SIEM systems to ensure a swift workflow. This is a recommended tool for admins who are concerned about security and overall regulatory compliance. It has a paid version after 20 days of free trial. Also Read:- What is Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA)?

The Bottom Line

Windows Administration Tools are versatile components used for administering computer systems. They can help configure the system settings along with managing the hardware. It is like a control panel which controls your computer functions and connects it with other devices. The tools can help with monitoring, issue detection and ensuring overall network efficiency. It helps to run the system operation smoothly and enhances security. It can also help with troubleshooting problems and automating different tasks. They are like virtual assistants who will notify you about things that require immediate attention. They ensure that your systems have peak performance. You can visit Skills Factory to learn about these Windows server administration skills. It will help you gain job-ready knowledge that will lead you to excel in your field. Meta Title- Use Microsoft Windows server administration tools to enhance efficiency