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#5 in Windows ServerUdemyWindows ServerPaid courseBeginner level

Introduction To Windows Server 2012R2 (Udemy.com)

Become a Professional Systems Administrator or Networking Engineer. Step by Step Guide on how to achieve these goals.

Created by: Phillip Roos

Last updated March 2017

Our take

Based on the ratings of 1,184 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in March 2017. No course pays to be reviewed.

Phillip Roos's course is a free, ten-lecture, 97-minute walkthrough of setting up Windows Server 2012 R2 inside a virtual machine. The sales description lists a long menu of topics, including backup and firewall rules, but the learning list is much narrower: install, configure, manage resources, WDS, DHCP and basic troubleshooting. Treat it as a first look at the server console, not a full admin course. It suits complete beginners, but your PC needs 6 to 8 GB of RAM and a lot of free disk space to run the virtual machines.

Reviewers are mostly positive. About 890 of the 1,184 ratings are four or five stars. People call it short, clear and useful, and one Linux user says it saved hours of wading through Microsoft's documentation, even at 1.5x speed. Students say Roos explains the steps in a way that is easy to follow. The complaints are consistent, though. Audio sounds thin, like a speakerphone, with background noise and a raised voice at times, and the captions miss words. One reviewer wanted Active Directory and DHCP explained properly instead of just clicked through.

The big caveat is age. The last update was March 2017, and a recent reviewer points out that Server 2012 is no longer supported. That makes this a good free way to see how roles get added and how a lab is built, but not training for a current job. The same Windows Server category has a newer 2016 beginner course, so a learner aiming at today's environments should start there. For a quick, no-cost look, this one is fine, as long as you can live with the sound.

Best forPeople who want a short, free, follow-along virtual lab for Server 2012 R2, such as Linux admins new to Windows.
Skip it ifYou need current Windows Server skills, exam prep, or clean audio, since this is a 2017 recording.

Pros

  • Short enough to finish in one evening, and reviewers say it packs in more than some 20 hour courses
  • Shows a full Hyper-V setup, from installing the server to adding Windows 8.1 and 10 machines
  • Covers practical tasks like creating Active Directory users, resetting passwords, DHCP and WDS
  • Free, and a Linux user says it beat reading Microsoft's own documentation

Cons

  • Audio is the top complaint: thin sound, background noise and some shouting, and the captions miss words
  • Last updated in 2017 and covers Server 2012 R2, which Microsoft no longer supports
  • Explains concepts like AD DS and DHCP lightly, with no quizzes or exercises to practice on
Even though it takes only around 1,5 h to complete, it contains a lot of useful info.
Karol Sobierajski, a student

Beginner fits, but you need a PC with 6 to 8 GB of RAM and about 200 GB of free disk for the virtual machines.

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What you will learn

  • Installing Windows Server 2012R2
  • Configuring Windows Server 2012R2
  • Managing Windows Server 2012R2 Resources
  • Deploy and manage WDS
  • Implement DHCP
  • Troubleshoot Server and Networks

Course content

1 section · 10 lectures · 1.6 hours of video

  1. 1Introduction To Windows Server 2012R2 (From start to Finish) 2 free previews10 lectures · 1.6 hours

Who it is for

The instructor says it suits

  • Anyone who wants to become a systems administrator or a networking engineer.

What you need before you start

  • Internet Access (MUST)
  • Atleast 200GB+ Hard Drive Space (For resources )
  • Atleast 6GB - 8GB of RAM (More is better)
  • A computer that can handle virtualization (MUST)
  • Important (Loads of Patients) a key to success

How it compares

Against the other 112 rated Udemy courses in Windows Server on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.5 out of 5higher than 50% of them
  • Reviews1,184#40 of 113 by number of reviews
  • Length1.6 hoursshorter than 96% of them
  • Last updatedMarch 2017earlier than 91% of them

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Course Description

Welcome to the Introduction to Windows Server 2012R2 course, where you will find abundant resources and guidance on how to excel as a server and networking engineer. This course is suitable for both aspiring IT professionals and individuals seeking personal development.

The main focus of this course is on server and desktop infrastructure, providing you with practical, hands-on experience to equip you for the job. With this course, you can be assured of gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to establish a successful career.

The course will cover several essential topics, including the installation and configuration of Windows Server 2012 R2, an introduction to virtualization, and the installation of Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. You will also learn how to create user accounts in Active Directory, test them, reset user passwords, and install and configure DHCP and WDS.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in working with Windows Server 2012 R2 and the ability to set up a functional environment using the skills you have acquired.

Enroll in this course today and take the first step towards becoming a proficient server and networking engineer!

In addition to the topics mentioned earlier, this course will also cover critical aspects such as managing server storage and configuring server roles and features. You will learn how to create and manage user groups, set up and manage file and print services, and configure network access protection.

Furthermore, this course will delve into the administration of server security, including managing server updates, configuring firewall rules, and securing network communication. You will also gain an understanding of server backup and recovery, including disaster recovery planning and implementation.

Throughout this course, you will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of Windows Server 2012 R2, its features, and its capabilities. With our practical exercises and hands-on experience, you will learn how to perform critical server administration tasks, enabling you to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

By enrolling in this course, you will be joining a community of like-minded individuals committed to gaining valuable insights and knowledge in Windows Server 2012 R2. Our team of experienced instructors will be available to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need to excel in your career as a server and networking engineer.

So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in this course today and take your first step towards becoming an expert in Windows Server 2012 R2.

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Instructor Details

Phillip Roos

Phillip Roos is a highly accomplished IT trainer and entrepreneur with a deep passion for empowering individuals through education. He is the founder and head trainer of The IT Systems Trainer, a leading provider of IT training and certification courses.

With over a decade of experience in the IT industry, Phillip has trained over 100,000 students worldwide since 2014, and has been instrumental in helping countless individuals launch successful careers in technology. His ability to simplify complex IT concepts and explain them in a way that is easy to understand has made him a highly sought-after trainer, with a reputation for excellence that is second to none.

Phillip's mission in life is to create the best next generation of IT professionals by providing the best quality education and guidance. He firmly believes that with the right knowledge and training, anyone can achieve their dreams and excel in the world of technology. His philosophy is simple: "together through education can we achieve the impossible."

Phillip is a firm believer in the power of education to transform lives and communities. He is committed to making a positive impact on the world by empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of IT. He is constantly innovating and refining his training programs to ensure that his students receive the most up-to-date and relevant training possible.

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Reviews

4.5

1,184 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Manni Qui on 5/23/2025

While the course is a bit dated—Windows Server 2012 is no longer supported—the content and overall goal are still highly valuable. It provides a concise overview and a visual walkthrough of Windows Server configuration, which is perfect for someone like me who has primarily worked with Linux. It saved me hours of digging through the often cumbersome Microsoft documentation. I watched the videos at 1.5x speed, and that was more than sufficient to get up and running.

By Innocent Stephen on 11/15/2021

The course thought me a whole of things I didn't imagine it would do and the tutor seems very good at what he does. A major thanks goes to the tutor for making such a wonderful course goes for free. Very impactful as I learned a lot. Thanks

By Jose-Luis Duran on 11/15/2020

interesting

By Faisal Ali on 9/19/2020

Best Course in a short time...Very Good better than 20 hours courses ...Thanks

By MAHMOUD CERAY on 5/19/2020

Nice

By Raphael Ilukhor on 5/5/2020

I had a lovely and wonderful experience taking this course, i aways wanted to grow my experience om the IT sector ever since i did my diploma in Computer Engineering in 2005 and my BS in Statistic with Computer Science. I thank you for the opportunity.

By Antonio Giancristofaro on 5/4/2020

very disappointed the content of the course is not what I had in mind...the audio of the lectures was barely understandable , a total disaster.....sorry

By Rubens Rodrigues do Vale on 4/20/2020

Great contetn, no-nonsense and straight to the Point. Keep on the good work!

By Andre Adams on 3/13/2020

I like what I'm learning so far....
Andre'

By Imran Khan on 1/16/2020

Valuable information, only downside is instructor keeps shouting/raising his voice, other not bad

By Melvin Rice on 1/3/2020

I did enjoy this class. The instructor does a good job of showing you how to set up a server in a virtual environment. I downgraded the class a bit, because, at times, there was some background noise that was distracting.

By Melvin Rice on 1/1/2020

I did enjoy this class. The instructor does a good job of showing you how to set up a server in a virtual environment. I downgraded the class a bit, because, at times, there was some background noise that was distracting.

Showing 12 of 171 reviews

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Quality Score

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Overall Score : 90 / 100