By Michael Cherry [bio]
Posted: Apr. 2, 2007

The following is an illustration accompanying an article published by Directions on Microsoft, an independent research firm focused exclusively on Microsoft strategy & technology. More samples of our content, as well as a list of upcoming articles and reports are also available.

Server Manager provides a single location for administrators to determine the configuration of a server and to troubleshoot services. The console, which has sections that can be expanded or collapsed to make viewing easier, allows administrators to see and change information about the server (such as its name and membership in a domain), security information (such as whether or not the Windows Firewall is enabled and configured or AutoUpdate is enabled), which server roles are enabled, which features are installed, and whether or not the server is participating in programs such as Windows Error Reporting. The console, in addition to the Computer Management control panel, effectively replaces four former server components: Security Configuration Wizard, Manage Your Server, Configure Your Server, and Add and Remove Windows Components.