Windows Server Administration Fundamentals: MTA 98-365 Preparation

Learn how to set up, configure, secure, and maintain Microsoft Windows Server environments, and build the foundation you need to pass the MTA exam successfully on your first attempt. This course takes you step by step from the basics of Windows Server to more advanced features, providing clear explanations, practical labs, and useful tips to prepare you for both the exam and real-world server administration.

What you will gain from this course

• Learn how to install Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012 from scratch
  
  

• Configure and manage essential roles and features used in everyday IT environments
  
  

• Understand the purpose and structure of Active Directory and how to manage it
  
  

• Gain hands-on experience with users, groups, permissions, shares, and storage management
  
  

• Develop troubleshooting skills to maintain Windows Server environments
  
  

• Explore virtualization, remote access, and security features for modern IT solutions
  
  

• Access study guides, summary sheets, and exam preparation advice

Requirements

• An eagerness to build knowledge in Windows Server fundamentals
  
  

• Basic IT knowledge, such as using operating systems, understanding hardware, and general networking concepts
  
  

• No prior experience in Windows Server administration is required

Course Description

In the fast-paced world of information technology, certifications remain one of the most reliable ways to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Microsoft certifications, in particular, have always carried significant weight in the IT industry. Surveys and industry reports consistently show that a high percentage of hiring managers actively take certifications into account when reviewing candidates. Having a Microsoft credential on your resume not only validates your expertise but also shows your commitment to professional development.

For those who are just beginning their certification journey, the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification has long been considered an ideal entry point. Unlike advanced certifications that require years of experience, the MTA provides a foundation for individuals new to IT who want to establish credibility quickly. By passing a single exam, you can showcase your understanding of fundamental concepts and begin building a career path in IT support, systems administration, or other technical roles.

This course is specifically designed around the Microsoft MTA 98-365 exam, which focuses on Windows Server Administration Fundamentals. While it is important to note that the official MTA 98-365 exam has now been retired, the topics and skills covered in this exam remain extremely valuable. Many organizations around the world still rely heavily on Windows Server 2008 and 2012, and the concepts you will learn in this training apply directly to more modern versions of Windows Server as well, such as Windows Server 2016, 2019, and beyond. In short, although the exam is no longer active, the knowledge you will gain remains timeless and highly practical.

The real benefit of this course goes beyond simply preparing you for an exam. The focus is on helping you acquire practical, hands-on skills that can be used in real IT environments. Every system administrator, IT technician, or helpdesk professional must understand how to work with Windows Server systems, and this course gives you that essential foundation.

Throughout the program, you will be guided through a variety of structured modules designed to cover all the core areas of Windows Server administration. You will begin with the basics: installing Windows Server 2008 and 2012, performing the initial configuration, and understanding the key differences between versions. Once the servers are installed, you will move on to more advanced topics such as server roles and features. Here, you will learn how to configure Active Directory, manage users and groups, apply permissions, and implement group policies to control access within an organization.

Another major focus of the course is storage and resource management. You will discover how to create and configure volumes, manage shared folders, and provide access to files and printers. These tasks may seem basic, but they are essential in nearly every IT role and form the backbone of day-to-day administration. Security principles are also integrated into these lessons, ensuring you understand how to safeguard sensitive resources.

In addition to these fundamentals, the course also introduces you to virtualization, remote access, and other concepts that are increasingly important in today’s IT landscape. You will gain insights into how to configure Hyper-V, connect to servers remotely, and apply security best practices to keep environments safe and stable.

Troubleshooting and maintenance skills are emphasized throughout the course. Knowing how to set up a server is important, but knowing how to diagnose problems and keep systems running smoothly is what truly makes you valuable in a professional environment. Through real-world examples and guided labs, you will learn how to approach common problems and resolve them effectively.

To support your learning, the course provides a range of study aids. These include step-by-step lab instructions, quizzes at the end of each section to test your understanding, and cheat sheets that summarize key concepts in a clear and simple format. These resources are designed not just to help you remember information for an exam but to ensure you can apply your knowledge practically.

By the end of this training, you will have built the confidence to install, configure, and manage Windows Server 2008 and 2012 environments. More importantly, you will be able to apply the same principles to newer server platforms, giving you flexibility and adaptability as technologies evolve. The course is ideal for beginners, career changers, or anyone interested in strengthening their understanding of Microsoft Servers.

In today’s IT world, thousands of servers are deployed daily, and companies need skilled individuals who can maintain and support them. By completing this course, you not only prepare yourself for certification-level knowledge but also position yourself as a capable and job-ready professional. Whether your goal is to pass the retired MTA 98-365 exam for knowledge purposes, or simply to build the skills to launch an IT career, this course will give you the tools, structure, and confidence you need to succeed.

Course overview

The training begins with the basics: how to install Windows Server 2008 and 2012. You will learn how to work through the setup process, configure your servers, and understand the first steps every administrator needs to perform. Once you are comfortable with the installation and configuration process, we move on to core server roles and features. These include file and print services, Active Directory Domain Services, and Hyper-V virtualization.

Active Directory is a major part of this course, as it is one of the most important features in a Windows Server environment. You will learn how to design and implement an Active Directory structure, create and manage user accounts, work with groups and organizational units, and apply permissions and group policies. Real-world examples will help you see how these tools are used to manage resources in business environments.

The course also covers storage and resource management. You will discover how to create and manage volumes, configure file shares, and set NTFS permissions. This section of the training gives you the ability to control access to data securely and efficiently, which is a key requirement for any system administrator.

Troubleshooting and maintenance is another crucial part of your training. Windows Servers, like any IT system, require ongoing monitoring and support. You will learn how to diagnose common issues, perform regular maintenance tasks, and keep your systems running smoothly. These skills not only prepare you for the exam but also make you ready for day-to-day IT roles.

Security is a consistent theme throughout the course. From understanding user rights and permissions to configuring remote access and firewalls, you will develop an awareness of how to keep server environments safe. We also cover virtualization, remote access tools, and strategies for maintaining availability and performance.

To help reinforce your learning, the course includes quizzes after each section. These quizzes simulate exam-style questions so you can test your knowledge before moving on. Cheat sheets and study guides are included to make revision easier and to help you remember key facts and processes.

Why this course matters

Windows Servers are everywhere in IT. Almost every medium to large organization relies on them for file sharing, user management, security, printing, and many other services. Each day, countless new servers are deployed that require skilled professionals to configure, maintain, and support them. Having a solid understanding of Windows Server administration makes you more employable and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

While the specific MTA 98-365 exam is no longer active, the material it covered remains valuable. Many IT employers continue to use Windows Server 2008 and 2012, and the knowledge you gain here will also provide a foundation for newer versions such as Windows Server 2016, 2019, and beyond. By completing this training, you will not only prepare yourself for the exam content but also gain transferable skills applicable to real-world IT work.

This course is ideal for beginners who want to step into the world of Microsoft Servers. If you are seeking to launch a career in IT, prepare for certification, or simply learn the fundamentals of server administration, this course will guide you from start to finish.

Course contents and structure

This training includes more than 6 hours of video content and over 50 detailed lectures. Each lecture is designed to build your knowledge step by step. Every major topic ends with a quiz so you can assess your progress.

The course begins by discussing installation and initial configuration of Windows Server. You will see how to work through the setup screens, configure networking, and apply updates. From there, you will learn about server roles and features. Topics include Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Access, DNS, DHCP, and File Services.

Next, you will explore Active Directory in depth. Active Directory is the backbone of Windows Server networks, and you will see how to create domains, manage organizational units, create and manage accounts, and apply permissions and policies. Special focus is given to users, groups, and permissions, since these are vital skills for any administrator.

Storage management is another critical area. You will learn how to configure drives, partitions, and volumes, as well as how to set up file shares and printer services. This section ensures you can allocate resources properly and provide reliable access to users.

Troubleshooting and maintenance follows, with a focus on diagnosing common issues, monitoring performance, and applying updates. You will also learn how to secure servers, implement backup strategies, and manage disaster recovery.

Throughout the course, practical labs with step-by-step instructions are included. These labs give you the chance to apply what you are learning in a safe, simulated environment. This hands-on practice is what will truly prepare you for both exam questions and real-world IT challenges.

The course also includes bonus materials such as animations, summaries, and exam tips. These resources make it easier to remember key points and give you additional support during your study journey.

Student Feedback

• “The course was easy to follow, even for someone with little prior server experience. The step-by-step labs made learning practical and enjoyable.”
  
  

• “I really appreciated how the instructor broke down Active Directory concepts. I finally understand users, groups, and permissions after struggling with them before.”
  
  

• “The cheat sheets and quizzes were a great addition. They helped me review quickly and stay on track for exam preparation.”
  
  

• “Clear explanations and real-world examples made the material much easier to apply in my job as an IT support technician.”
  
  

• “I liked that the course covered both Windows Server 2008 and 2012. It gave me a broader perspective and confidence to work with older systems still used in many companies.”
  
  

• “The troubleshooting section was extremely helpful. I now feel prepared to handle common server issues without hesitation.”
  
  

• “Overall, this training exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for beginners in IT.”

Who should take this course

• Students preparing for the Microsoft MTA 98-365 exam
  
  

• Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Microsoft Windows Server administration
  
  

• Beginners looking to start a career in IT and gain foundational server skills
  
  

• Professionals in IT support roles who want to strengthen their understanding of Windows Servers
  
  

• Individuals who want to understand how servers work in business environments and improve their technical skills

Outcomes

By the end of the training, you will have the ability to:

• Install and configure Windows Server 2008 and 2012
  
  

• Understand and implement server roles and features such as DNS, DHCP, and File Services
  
  

• Create and manage Active Directory domains, users, groups, and permissions
  
  

• Configure and secure file shares and storage
  
  

• Manage virtualization and remote access solutions
  
  

• Troubleshoot and maintain server environments
  
  

• Apply security principles to protect resources and data
  
  

• Use study guides, quizzes, and labs to reinforce your knowledge

Completing this course will give you the skills to stand out as an IT candidate, prepare you for further certifications, and provide the practical knowledge needed to support real-world server environments.

Course Benefits

Enrolling in this course provides you with more than just preparation for an exam—it gives you real-world skills that can be applied immediately in IT environments. Whether you are starting your career, aiming to improve your technical knowledge, or seeking to understand how Windows Servers operate in business settings, this training offers practical and long-lasting benefits.

Key benefits include:

• Gain step-by-step guidance on installing and configuring Windows Server 2008 and 2012
  
  

• Build a solid understanding of server roles such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Hyper-V
  
  

• Learn how to create and manage users, groups, policies, and permissions effectively
  
  

• Acquire troubleshooting skills to solve common server issues confidently
  
  

• Understand how to configure storage, shares, and printer services to support users
  
  

• Improve your ability to secure server environments with best practices
  
  

• Access cheat sheets, study guides, and quizzes to reinforce your learning
  
  

• Practice hands-on labs that simulate real-world IT tasks
  
  

• Develop foundational knowledge that applies to newer versions of Windows Server as well
  
  

• Stand out in the job market with skills that employers actively look for

This course provides a complete introduction to Windows Server fundamentals, focusing on both exam preparation and practical knowledge. Even though the MTA 98-365 exam has expired, the skills and concepts you will learn here remain highly valuable in the IT industry today. Whether you are aiming for certification, building your career, or simply learning how servers work, this course provides the clear guidance, practical labs, and structured approach you need to succeed.

Enroll Today

If you are ready to take the first step toward mastering Windows Server administration, this course is your perfect starting point. The skills you will learn here go far beyond just preparing for the Microsoft MTA exam. They provide you with practical, hands-on knowledge that employers value and IT teams rely on every single day.

By enrolling today, you gain instant access to step-by-step video lectures, guided labs, quizzes, and detailed cheat sheets that make complex topics easy to understand. You don’t need prior experience with Windows Server—just a willingness to learn and a basic understanding of computers. From installing and configuring servers to managing Active Directory, storage, permissions, and troubleshooting, every lesson is designed to build your confidence and make you job-ready. The IT industry is highly competitive, and thousands of organizations still depend on Windows Server environments. With this training, you’ll gain the fundamental skills that can help you stand out when applying for roles such as IT support, systems administrator, or helpdesk technician.

Don’t wait for opportunities to pass you by—take control of your career today. Enroll now, start learning immediately, and set yourself on the path toward becoming a skilled Windows Server professional.