Administrative Improvements with Windows Server 2008 R2

One of the main focuses of Windows Server 2008 R2 UNIX Integration was the ability to gain a better measure of centralized control over multiple environments. Tools such as an enhanced Telnet server and client, ActivePerl 5.6 for scripting, and a centralized MMC Admin console make the administration of the Windows Server 2008 R2 UNIX Integration components easier than ever. Combined with the improved MMC interface in Windows Server 2008 R2, it is easier than ever to manage mixed environments from the Windows platform.

Performing Remote Administration with Telnet Server and Client

Windows Server 2008 R2 UNIX Integration uses a single Telnet service to provide for Telnet functionality to both Windows and UNIX clients. This was a change over the way that it previously was, as two separate components were installed. This version of Windows Server 2008 R2 Telnet Server supports NT LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication in addition to the basic logon that supports UNIX users.

To install the Telnet Server component, perform the following steps:

1.	Open Server Manager (Start, All Programs, Administrative Tools, Server Manager).
2.	Click on the Features node in the tasks pane, and then click the Add Features link.
3.	Check the box next to the Telnet Server role, as shown in Figure 1. Click Next to continue. Figure 1. Installing the Telnet Server role for UNIX clients.
4.	Review the settings and click Install.
5.	When the wizard is finished, click Close.

Scripting with ActivePerl

With Windows Server 2008 R2 UNIX Integration tools, you can write scripts using the ActivePerl tool, which was fully ported from UNIX Perl. Perl scripts can be used in a Windows environment, and ActivePerl directly supports use of the Windows Scripting Host (WSH), which enables Perl scripts to be executed on WSH server systems.