Server admin courses teach IT staff to install, configure and look after the servers a business depends on, including server roles, Active Directory, storage, performance monitoring and troubleshooting. BOTI does not currently run a Windows Server administration course or preparation for MTA exam 98-365. For related IT and software training that runs in-house, at our venue or online, see BOTI’s Microsoft Office and computer skills courses.
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Introduction: Windows Server Admin Fundamentals and exam 98-365
“Windows Server Administration Fundamentals” was the subject of exam 98-365, an entry-level exam in the MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) series. The exam checked basic knowledge of server roles, installation, Active Directory, storage, performance management and maintenance. It was meant as a first step for people starting a career in IT support or systems administration.
The MTA exam programme, including exam 98-365, has since been retired, so the exam can no longer be booked. The content was also built around Windows Server 2008 R2, an older version of the product. The skills it covered still matter, though. Anyone who supports servers needs them, whatever version their organisation runs.
What a server training course covers
Whether you are planning your own learning or building a development plan for a junior IT team member, these are the core areas a server administration fundamentals course should cover.
Server roles and installation
A server is set up for specific jobs, called roles. Examples are file and print sharing, web hosting, directory services, DHCP and DNS. A new administrator should know how to choose an edition, install the operating system, apply updates and add or remove roles and features. They should also know when a physical server, a virtual machine or a cloud-hosted server is the sensible choice.
Active Directory
Active Directory is the directory service that most Windows networks use to manage users, computers and permissions centrally. The fundamentals include:
- domains and domain controllers;
- organisational units;
- user and group accounts;
- Group Policy, which applies security and configuration settings across many machines at once.
Mistakes here affect every user on the network. This is why organisations should train people properly before giving them administrative rights.
Storage management
Administrators need to understand disk types, partitions and volumes, and file systems and their permissions. They also need to understand redundant storage (RAID) and network storage. Just as important is a backup routine that someone has actually tested by restoring data, not just by running the backup job.
Performance monitoring and troubleshooting
Servers slow down or fail for predictable reasons: full disks, memory pressure, failing hardware, faulty updates or misconfigured services. Good practice is to:
- know what normal performance looks like, so problems stand out;
- read event logs;
- use the built-in monitoring tools;
- work through problems methodically, without guessing.
Maintenance and essential services
Routine maintenance includes:
- patching;
- checking backups;
- reviewing security settings and user accounts;
- documenting changes.
Essential network services such as DNS, DHCP and remote access keep users connected. An administrator should understand what each one does and how to check that it is working.
Outline: key outcomes of Windows Server admin fundamentals
The original exam outline grouped the subject into five areas:
- Overview of servers
- Windows Server management (the exam used Windows Server 2008 R2)
- Storage management
- Troubleshooting and monitoring servers
- Essential services
Recommended prior experience and knowledge
Fundamentals-level server training suits people starting out in IT. It does not assume on-the-job experience. It helps, though, if learners already use a computer confidently, understand files and folders, and know basic networking terms such as IP address and network share. Staff who are new to computers should build that foundation first.
Closest BOTI courses for server and IT support staff
BOTI does not run Windows Server administration training. These BOTI courses are the nearest fit for IT support staff, administrators and power users:
- Getting Started with Microsoft SQL Server: SQL Querying (2 days): query and report on the databases that often run on business servers.
- Microsoft SharePoint Site Owner for Microsoft 365 (2 days): set up and manage team sites, permissions and document libraries.
- Cyber Security Awareness Training (1 day): recognise and prevent the threats that put servers and data at risk.
- Python Programming Training (5 days): automate repetitive admin and data tasks.
- Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office Basics (2 days): the foundation for staff who are new to computers.
Book or obtain a quote
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Frequently asked questions
Can I still write MTA exam 98-365?
No. The MTA exam programme, including exam 98-365 Windows Server Administration Fundamentals, has been retired, so the exam can no longer be booked. The skills it covered, such as server roles, Active Directory, storage and troubleshooting, are still useful for anyone starting in IT support.
Does BOTI run server admin courses?
BOTI does not currently run a Windows Server administration course or MTA 98-365 exam preparation. The closest BOTI courses for IT staff are Getting Started with Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SharePoint Site Owner for Microsoft 365, Cyber Security Awareness Training and Python Programming Training.
What does a server training course cover?
A fundamentals-level server training course usually covers server roles and installation, Active Directory users, groups and Group Policy, storage and backups, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, routine maintenance and essential network services such as DNS and DHCP.
Do I need IT experience before a server admin course?
No on-the-job experience is assumed at fundamentals level. Learners should, however, use a computer confidently and understand basic terms such as files, folders, IP addresses and network shares before they start.
For IT staff who work with the data held on business servers, the closest BOTI course is Getting Started with Microsoft SQL Server: SQL Querying. Training runs in-house at your premises, at BOTI’s venue in Sunningdale, Johannesburg, or live online. This course is not accredited. It is delivered as a professional skills programme, and delegates receive a BOTI certificate of attendance. Call BOTI on 011 882 8853 or email [email protected].
