Server and Network Services Fundamentals

This unit introduces hands-on administration of Windows and Linux server roles, common network services, and foundational cybersecurity and resiliency practices. Students will configure user and group management, file sharing, core services (DNS, DHCP, SMTP, Apache, Samba), and use command-line and remote administration tools to prepare for advanced network administration topics in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate installation, configuration, and basic administration of Windows Server and Linux server components, including creating user accounts, configuring shares, enabling Group Policy, and establishing secure remote access
• Apply administration and troubleshooting techniques for core network services—DNS, DHCP, and hosts file management—and relate service behavior to TCP/IP standards and the OSI model
• Demonstrate the use of command-line and scripting tools (PowerShell and Linux shell commands) to manage services (Apache, Postfix, Samba), automate routine tasks, and perform basic Exchange/Office 365 and Teams administrative actions
• Evaluate security and resiliency measures by applying password best practices, mobile device and firewall considerations, spam mitigation, disaster impact analysis, backup strategies, and the trade-offs of cloud versus on-premises solutions