CWindows Systems Administration – Course Design

1. Course Overview

The Windows Systems Administration training programe provides learners with the skills required to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Windows client and server operating systems in enterprise environments.

The program focuses on Active Directory, Windows Server roles, security, storage, virtualization, and network services.

This course prepares learners for entry-level system administration positions and for industry certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator and MD-102 (Endpoint Administrator).

2. Target Audience

• Beginners entering the IT or system administration field
• Desktop support or IT technicians upgrading to server administration
• Students preparing for Microsoft certification exams
• Professionals transitioning into Windows Server roles

3. Course Duration

Duration: 3–5 Months

• Instructor-led sessions: 100–120 hours
• Hands-on labs: 80+ hours
• Assessments & final project included

4. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, learners will be able to:

• Install, configure, and manage Windows Server and Windows Client OS
• Deploy and manage Active Directory, Group Policies, and network services
• Configure roles such as DNS, DHCP, WDS, File/Print Services, and IIS
• Manage storage, permissions, user accounts, and organizational units
• Secure Windows environments using hardening tools and best practices
• Use PowerShell for automation and administrative tasks
• Troubleshoot client, server, and network-related issues

5. Course Structure & Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Windows Systems

Topics:

• Windows Server editions and features
• Windows client operating systems
• Understanding domains, workgroups, and server roles
• GUI vs PowerShell administration

Skills: Foundation of Windows ecosystem and administrative tools.

Module 2: Installation & Configuration

Topics:

• Installing Windows Server (GUI & Core)
• Installing Windows Client (Windows 10/11)
• Configuring hardware, drivers, and updates
• Server configuration tools (Server Manager, MMC, PowerShell)

Skills: OS installation, basic configuration, update management.

Module 3: Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Topics:

• Installing and configuring Active Directory
• Managing users, groups, OUs
• Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
• Domain and forest functional levels
• AD backup and recovery basics

Skills: Enterprise identity and access management.

Module 4: Networking Services in Windows Server

Topics:

• Deploy and configure DNS
• Deploy and configure DHCP
• IP addressing and scope management
• DNS zones, records, and troubleshooting
• DHCP failover and reservation management

Skills: Server-side network service expertise.

Module 5: Windows Deployment Services (WDS) & Imaging

Topics:

• Installing and configuring WDS
• Creating and managing images
• PXE boot environment
• Deployment automation fundamentals

Skills: Automated OS deployment.

Module 6: File, Storage & Print Services

Topics:

• NTFS permissions and sharing
• DFS (Distributed File System)
• Disk management and RAID
• Storage Spaces configuration
• Print server setup and management

Skills: Data management and resource sharing.

Module 7: IIS Web Server Administration

Topics:

• Installing and configuring IIS
• Website deployment and management
• Application pools
• Logging and monitoring web services

Skills: Hosting websites and internal applications.

Module 8: Virtualization & Cloud Integration

Topics:

• Hyper-V installation and configuration
• Virtual Switch Manager
• Creating VMs and managing snapshots
• Introduction to Azure AD and hybrid identity
• Basic cloud deployment concepts

Skills: Virtual machine and hybrid environment administration.

Module 9: Windows Security & Hardening

Topics:

• Windows Defender, Firewall, and security baselines
• User rights assignment
• BitLocker and encryption
• Audit policies and event logs
• Secure RDP and administrative access
• Security best practices for servers

Skills: System protection, threat minimization.

Module 10: PowerShell & Automation

Topics:

• PowerShell essentials
• Cmdlets for AD, storage, networking, and services
• Scripting fundamentals
• Automating administrative tasks

Skills: Automation for efficiency in large environments.

Module 11: Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Topics:

• Troubleshooting OS startup issues
• Network troubleshooting tools (ping, tracert, PowerShell)
• GPO issues and AD replication problems
• Performance monitoring tools
• Backup and restore strategies (Windows Server Backup)

Skills: Diagnosing and resolving system and service issues.

Module 12: Final Project

Learners build and document a fully functional Windows enterprise environment.

Examples:

• Multi-Server domain with DNS, DHCP, and GPOs
• Windows deployment automation using WDS
• File server with permissions, quotas, and auditing
• Hyper-V lab with multiple virtual machines

6. Assessment Methods

• Module-based quizzes
• Practical lab exercises
• Mid-term server configuration exam
• Troubleshooting assessment
• Capstone project and presentation

7. Certifications Prepared For

• Microsoft MD-102: Endpoint Administrator
• Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• CompTIA Server+ (partial alignment)

8. Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:

• Windows System Administrator (Junior)
• IT Support Technician
• Network/Systems Support Engineer
• Helpdesk Analyst
• Server Administrator Assistant