What to do on Windows Server 2012?

Hello all, just finished installing Windows Server 2012 on my laptop, set it up, logged in...now I have no clue what to do. This is literally the first time ive even looked at a server OS, so I am sorta overwhelmed. Just curious as to what I can do. I have an extra laptop around here running Win7, so I was thinking maybe active directory? Any other ideas what I can just mess around with in a lab environment? Thanks!

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lsud00d

What are the specs on your laptop? If you have at LEAST 8gb RAM (preferably at least 16gb) and a virtualization-enabled processor you should definitely install the Hyper-V role and start a small virtual lab. You can run AD in there and do a nested virtualization lab.

ProFamous

I have an i5 processor with 6 GB of RAM, virtualization is supported. I might just upgrade the RAM if possible, considering how cheap it is nowadays. But I can still use AD with my other laptop I suppose. Any other ideas? Thanks!

W Stewart

The first thing you should do on your new server 2012 install is go download a copy of centos or ubuntu server. After you've burned your distro of choice to a flash drive, reboot and install linux.

kohr-ah

Hyper v box, AD, DNS , dhcp, Iis, radius, to name a few ideas

MTciscoguy

W Stewart wrote: »

The first thing you should do on your new server 2012 install is go download a copy of centos or ubuntu server. After you've burned your distro of choice to a flash drive, reboot and install linux.

Figures

ProFamous

W Stewart wrote: »

The first thing you should do on your new server 2012 install is go download a copy of centos or ubuntu server. After you've burned your distro of choice to a flash drive, reboot and install linux.

Haha I actually prefer linux to tell you the truth, however MCSA is on my list of certs plus I'd like to know how to use Server 2012. Anyways I will try DNS, DHCP and Radius here soon.

Judderman88

Hi Pro
This may be worth look at to get you up and running...
Download Windows Server 2012 R2 Test Lab Guide from Official Microsoft Download Center

cyberguypr

If you are going for MCSA then start figuring out how to accomplish the tasks listed in the objectives of whichever exam you are starting with. If going with 70-410 do as others said and deploy DHCP, DNS, AD. Play with converting from core to GUI, VHDs, setting file shares, assigning permissions, etc.