Why I run Windows Server
I run Windows Server primarily to build and administer Active Directory in a realistic environment. A Linux-only lab would not give me hands-on practice with domain joins, Group Policy, Windows DNS integration, event logs and the administration workflows used in many workplaces.
What I practise
- Create and organise users, groups and computers
- Join Windows clients to the domain
- Build and test Group Policy Objects
- Troubleshoot DNS and authentication failures
- Review Event Viewer and service health
- Use PowerShell for repeatable administration
How it connects to the wider lab
The server runs as a virtual machine and sits inside segmented networking rather than being exposed publicly. It can interact with Linux, Wi-Fi authentication experiments and monitoring systems while remaining recoverable through snapshots and backups.
What this demonstrates
This project shows that my lab is not limited to open-source services. I use the appropriate platform to learn identity, policy and support skills that are common in mixed enterprise environments.
Take snapshots before role changes, use test accounts and keep the server separated from production or personal identity systems.
Create an isolated Windows Server VM, apply updates, set a stable address and add only the roles needed for the exercise, such as DNS, DHCP or Active Directory.