Exchange Server 2007 Course Outline
(In Your Instructor, Dave Shackelford's Own Words)
Video 1 (7:14)
Course Overview
In this kick-off video, I introduce myself and share my expertise. It is a brief
overview of what you will learn and what to expect from this comprehensive course.
I also explain why Exchange 2007 is an exciting technology that you MUST master.
Video 2 (6:09)
Intro to Exchange Server 2007 and Assignment Scenario
First, we will define the networking architecture of our fictitious business, Cash
Cow Capital Group, and detail our multi-server lab setup.
I also detail my unique real-world approach to teaching Exchange technology, so
you can prepare yourself for the exciting learning experience ahead!
Video 3 (1:05:38)
Pre-Installation Preparation
Learn the vital details and requirements for preparing
your network & servers for the addition of a new Exchange 2007 organization.
This includes going over hardware requirements and setting up an Active Directory, as well as registering a domain name, working with
DNS, updating Active Directory schema and running the Readiness
Scan.
You’ll learn the differences between Client Access License
types, and the difference between Standard and Enterprise editions of
the product. Once you are finished with this lesson, you should lack nothing to
get started with an installation. You will also know how to leverage your existing
AD infrastructure for centralized
user and security management.
Key Topics:
* Hardware Requirements for Exchange Server 2007
* Creating Infrastructure
* Physical Disk Configuration
* DNS Setup in Exchange Server 2007
* AD Installation (Dcpromo)
* Domain Registration
* Requirements for Active Directory and older Exchange organizations
* Active Directory Schema Changes
* Readiness Scan
* Editions and CAL types
Video 4 (32:03)
Installation Overview
Walk arm-in-arm with me through the actual Exchange 2007 installation process. You
will become familiar with role selection and what
your options are in regards to deploying different types of server roles. You’ll
also learn the different stages of setup and the information necessary to successfully
complete each step.
Key Topics:
* Installing Exchange Server 2007
* Pre-install Splash
* Error Reporting
* Install Type and Roles Selection
* Server Name
* Client Settings
* Readiness Check #2
* Verifying Install
* Finalize Deployment Tasks List
* End-to-End Scenario Tasks List
* Editing Installed Roles
* Installing SP1
Video 5 (1:10:08)
Exchange Server Management Console
Learn about the general console layout and how it maps to Exchange 2007’s role-based architecture. Learn how to use role delegation
to set up different level Exchange administrators without giving away the keys to
the kingdom. Dive into the Exchange Toolbox and other extra features hidden in the
console.
Lastly, learn how to get and install the 32-bit version of the Management Console so you can do your Exchange administration from a workstation.
Key Topics:
* Console Layout of Exchange Server 2007
* Architecture
* Role Delegation
* Grand Tour
* Finalization Tasks
* Toolbox and Extras in Exchange Server 2007
* 32-bit Edition
Video 6 (46:31)
Exchange Management Shell
Become more comfortable using PowerShell to complete
your management tasks. Learning the command-line shell allows you to take advantage
of features not exposed through the Console. This is critical for mastery of the
product, particularly for making light work out of repetitive tasks.
By the end of this lesson, you'll know how to easily get command
syntax when you need it. You will also know how to modify the settings
of multiple mailboxes using PowerShell, and know how to streamline your productivity
via pipelining.
Key Topics:
* Shell Usage Overview
* Getting Help With Syntax
* Modifying a Mailbox With the Shell
* Pipelining
* Modifying Lots of Mailboxes with the Shell
* Other Management cmdlets
Video 7 (43:37)
Exchange Server 2007 Database
Knowing the Exchange 2007 database architecture of
the Extensible Storage Engine is important because
it’s required for a complete understanding of how backup and recovery and Single Instance Storage works.
Learn what has changed in Exchange 2007, as well as the difference between storage groups and databases and how to use them. Also
learn the best practices for Exchange database management.
Truly understanding these architectures will prevent serious mistakes in the areas
of backup and recovery. It also helps you optimize your database for space, performance
and stability.
Key Topics:
* Exchange Server 2007 Database Overview
* What's changed from Exchange Server 2003?
* Storage Groups and Databases
* Limitations
* Best Practices
Video 8 (37:08)
Going Live With Exchange Server 2007
Before you go live, make sure you have all the essential pieces in place to have
a functional Exchange 2007 server. We'll go through a critical
checklist of tasks, some of which we’ve already accomplished.
We look at DNS settings and check the listening ports on our firewall. We then do
several tests to verify mail-flow (The ability to
send mail to external hosts and to accept delivery of inbound mail to internal mailboxes).
Key Topics:
* Checklist
* Checking DNS
* Checking Listening Ports
* Testing Email Flow
Video 9 (48:39)
Working with Recipients in Exchange Server 2007
Skillfully integrating external users into organizational
address books is key to healthy communication with partners and contractors.
Learn how distribution lists work and how to create dynamic distribution lists that
help you avoid tedious maintenance of your company address books. This knowledge
allows you to focus on other important tasks as your organization grows.
Leveraging room and equipment mailboxes make scheduling and reservations of these
commonly used objects much simpler than past versions of Exchange. Also, learn how
to use those resources to streamline scheduling in
your organization.
Key Topics:
* Configuring Mailboxes in Exchange Server 2007
* Working with Contacts
* Creating and Using Distribution Groups
* Working with Rooms and Equipment Mailboxes
* Using Recipients Filtering
Video 10 (34:19)
Configuring Public Folders in Exchange Server 2007
Public folders are one of the most important collaborative features of Exchange, and knowing how they are managed in Exchange 2007 will allow
you to provide solutions to many common business processing problems.
Gain a firm grasp on public folder architecture and
learn the tools available for managing them. Learn how to do common tasks like creating
new folders, assigning permissions to folders, and allowing folders to send and
receive mail.
Once you’ve gotten comfortable with public folders, you’ll be in a position
to make an operations manager happy with your proposed PF-related solutions.
Key Topics:
* Public Folder Architecture
* Scenario
* Tools for Managing Public Folders
* Creating New Public Folders in Exchange Server 2007
* Assigning Public Folder Permissions
* Allowing Public Folders to Receive and Send Mail
Video 11 (25:54)
Configuring Address Lists in Exchange Server 2007
Understanding how server-side address lists work
is a valuable skill in enterprise environments. The ability to configure and provide
discrete lists of addresses to targeted user groupings is one common example.
Learn how to create a custom address list to target a particular group of users,
and learn how the Global Address List is generated
so you can more effectively troubleshoot any problems that come up with the GAL
on your server.
We’ll look at offline address books and how they make life easier for both
internal and external users Learn how to use dynamic distribution
groups that greatly reduce the overhead of distribution list management.
Focus on important things rather than manually managing group memberships.
Key Topics:
* How Server Side Address Lists Work
* Creating a Custom Address List
* How the Global Address Book Works
* Brief Bit on Offline Address Books
* Dynamic Distribution Groups
* Best Practices For Using This Stuff
Video 12 (1:00:06)
Configuring Outlook - AutoDiscover
AutoDiscover is a service that drastically reduces the amount of administrative
intervention required to connect Outlook to Exchange on desktops. Knowing how to
set it up will save you time and reduce headaches.
I’ll walk you through AutoDiscover mechanisms and setup,
including certificate generation and installation. You'll also learn how to setup
Outlook when you have AutoDiscover properly in place. Upon finishing this lesson,
you can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing you saved several hours of mail profile
configuration this year.
Key Topics:
* What is AutoDiscover?
* How Does It Work?
* How Do I Set It Up?
* How Do I Set Up Outlook?
* Best Practices
Video 13 (1:06:05)
Configuring the Client Access Server
Learn about Exchange 2007’s use of IIS virtual directories for monitoring activity. Then I will walk you through some of the features of Client Access Server.
Become a hero to remote workers by learning how to set up Outlook
Anywhere in order to provide secure MAPI access to Exchange data from any internet-connected location.
What makes executives ecstatic? If you can configure the server for Exchange ActiveSync. ActivSync synchronizes mailbox content
with Windows Mobile phones. Armed with these skills and some wise best practices
from yours truly, you’ll be ready to tackle remote mail
access with ease.
Key Topics:
* CAS Role Overview
* IIS Virtual Directories for Exchange Server 2007
* Outlook Anywhere Architecture
* Setting Up Outlook Anywhere
* Active-Sync Architecture
* New Active-Sync Features in Exchange Server 2007
* Active Sync Configuration
* Best Practices
Video 14 (54:51)
Outlook Web Access
Every good admin knows how to implement and support web access to Exchange mailboxes and public folders from the internet. When you’re finished
with this lesson, you’ll know the difference between editions of OWA, when
to use the Light and Premium versions, how to access server-based shares, and more.
I’ll also teach you how to change the base URL for OWA to make it simpler
for users to remember. This is another one of those high-profile knowledge areas
that makes a big difference to your end users!
Key Topics:
* New Outlook Web Access (OWA) Features
* Request From Management Relating to OWA Experience
* Light and Premium Versions
* Authentication Options
* Accessing Server-Based Shares and SharePoint Sites
* Changing the Base URL for Outlook Web Access (OWA)
Video 15 (49:22)
Working with POP3 and IMAP
Despite the proliferation of MAPI clients like Outlook, there is often a need to securely enable the server for different types of legacy clients. You will need to know how to configure
POP3 and IMAP on your server if your environment requires you to be flexible and
compromise for some legacy clients. I show you how to do this, while keeping security
concerns in mind.
After I teach you the basic architecture of those services, I’ll show you
the CAS and Hub role settings you will need to change, as well as settings that
are unique to each user. You'll then learn you how to configure an external client
to connect to your server using the IMAP and POP3 protocols,
and you’ll learn several best practices related to implementing POP3 and IMAP
in your organization.
Key Topics:
* Protocol Architecture
* Management Requests
* Settings on the CAS Server
* Settings on the Hub Transport Server
* User-Specific Permissions
* Setting Up the Client
* Best Practices
Video 16 (1:11:17)
Looking at Hub Transport
When I teach you about the Hub Transport role, I’ll be covering the process
of mail delivery and routing, and the tools built around managing and configuring
those functions. You'll learn how to create Transport Rules,
which will allow you to set disclaimers, filter traffic, screen some content, and
many other things that will make your HR and security departments happy.
I’ll cover the Send and Receive Connectors that are used to control your inbound and outbound mail activity, set encryption
settings, even route mail for particular destinations uniquely. I’ll also
show you how to set size limits and delivery restrictions, which will allow you
to throttle the activity on your server, increasing system stability and manageability.
You'll also learn about the Queue Viewer. The QV
allows you to know what’s happening with undelivered mail and have actionable
intelligence with which to make troubleshooting decisions.
Key Topics:
* Mail Flow and Routing Architecture
* Management Requests
* Working with Domains and Email Addresses
* Creating Transport Rules
* Using Send Connectors
* Using Receive Connectors
* Setting Size Limits and Delivery Restrictions
* Using the Queue Viewer
Video 17 (59:38)
Meeting Compliance Requirements w/ Exchange Server 2007
Learn how to capture internal and external mail for auditing
and compliance purposes. This skill can protect your company from federal
and industry audits.
Learn how to set up journaling, and look at two third-party products commonly used
to archive mail. I’ll walk you through the installation and use of one of
these products, GFI’s MailArchiver.
Key Topics:
* Management Requests
* Intro to Journaling
* Planning and Implementing Journaling
* 3rd Party Products
* Other Compliance Issues
Video 18 (1:05:12)
Edge Transport Role
Knowing that your Exchange server is protected against external threats provides
great peace of mind. And the ability to properly configure an Edge server will bring you there.
In this lesson, you will gain a solid understanding of Edge
transport architecture and the security it affords. In addition, I’ll
also teach you the requirements for setting up an Edge server, and make you familiar
with both the process and the best practices around installing and securing an Edge
server.
Key Topics:
* Management Requests
* A Look at Edge Transport
* Edge Setup Requirements
* Installing the Edge Role
* Securing the Edge Server
* Best Practices
Video 19 & 20 (51:27) & (47:07)
Configuring Edge Anti-Spam Components
These lessons will focus on honing your understanding of the spam filtering options in Exchange. This allows you to save time for
your end-users and save storage on your servers.
You’ll learn how the transport pipeline works
and then find out how to configure the diverse filtering and transport rule options
that Exchange 2007 offers.
You’ll also learn how to install and configure the Anti-Spam
components on a Hub role server, in the event that your organization
does not use an Edge server. In any case, this is one set of skills that will have
your users showering you with praise!
Key Topics:
* Architecture
* Installing the Edge Anti-Spam Filters on the Hub Transport
* Connection Filtering
* Sender Filtering
* Recipient Filtering
* SPF Records
* Content Filtering in Exchange Server 2007
* Attachment Filters
* Transport Rules
* Address Rewrite Agent
* Safe list Aggregation
* Best Practices
Video 21 (34:09)
Anti-Virus and Exchange Server 2007
Integrating Anti-Virus into your Edge solution alongside
anti-spam and general security will make your Edge server a one-stop shop for mail
hygiene. Having this consolidated security solution will save considerable time,
money and problems.
I’ll show you some options for Anti-Virus solutions and then give you the
tools to configure and manage Microsoft ForeFront AntiVirus on your Edge server.
Key Topics:
* Architecture
* Supported Vendors
* ForeFront Overview
* Installing ForeFront
* Testing AV
* Best Practices
Video 22 (57:16)
Configuring Exchange Server 2007 Backups
A mail database disaster can literally destroy a company. As Exchange administrator,
knowing how to properly preserve email data is vital
to maintaining, possibly even restoring the health of the company.
Learn how to backup data using NTBackup and Volume Shadow Copy. I’ll round out those topics
with some coverage of clustering. One type of clustering technology is known as Local Continuous Replication.
LCR is a new feature that provides a significant amount of assurance against local
database crashes and disk corruption. It does this by creating a continuously updated
copy of the mail database that can be mounted in the event of a crash. I will walk
you through the process of setting up LCR and show you how to use it if things get
ugly.
I’ll also give you an overview of Standby Cluster Replication and wind things down with some critical recommendations regarding backups. The knowledge
in this lesson will help you be the "ultimate" protector of your organization’s
mail.
Key Topics:
* Database/Backup Architecture
* Knowing What to Back Up
* Using NTBackup
* Volume Shadow Copy
* Local Continuous Replication
* Standby Cluster Replication
* Recommendations
Video 23 (1:16:58)
Exchange Server 2007 Disaster Recovery
Disaster preparedness is not just about making good backups. You must follow through
with intelligent recovery if you want to save the
day and keep your organization protected.
In this lesson, we’ll look at a variety of sticky disaster situations ranging
from stolen servers to database
corruption. I’ll walk you through the steps to recover from several
of those scenarios. You'll learn how to develop a wise backup strategy so you can
make recovery much simpler.
Key Topics:
* A Look at Scenarios of Increasing Cruelty
* Walk-through Several Types of Recovery
* Best Practices For Recovery
Video 24 (20:59)
Transport Layer Security
The ability to guarantee message encryption between
organizations across the public internet is something that TLS provides. A solid
understanding of TLS on Exchange 2007 will allow you to answer your CSO’s
inquiries authoritatively.
Learn about TLS architecture and the changes between
Exchange 2007 and Exchange 2003. Then you'll learn how to configure server-to-server
encryption in different scenarios to keep your communication secure.
Key Topics:
* Management Requests
* TLS Architecture
* Setting Up TLS
* Recommendations
Video 25 (30:23)
Advanced Mailbox Topics
In most organizations, mailboxes get complicated very quickly. To service your users,
you must know how to delegate access to a mailbox to other users, use linked mailboxes
to handle accounts in other domains, and use managed folders to provide policy-driven
data handling.
In this lesson, we’ll cover all of those scenarios, along with some general
recommendations on how to implement strategic solutions to prevent future problems.
Key Topics:
* Management requests
* Delegating mailboxes
* Linked mailbox architecture
* Using linked mailboxes
* Managed folder architecture
* Setting up managed folder policies
* Recommendations
Video 26 (53:04)
Exchange Tools and Troubleshooting Techniques
With wisdom that only experience can generate, I use this video to show you how
to identify problems with your Exchange 2007 installation. Learn what tools are
at your disposal to resolve several types of outages.
I’ll also show you some tools like the Best Practices
Analyzer that you can use to keep your server healthy and optimized.
I’ll show you how to interpret the Analyzer results, and we’ll spend
some time with Message Tracking, protocol logs, ESEUTIL and other invaluable tools.
Beyond this, I’ll give you some troubleshooting techniques
& tips that will help you take a proactive approach towards server
health and prevent common problems.
Key Topics:
* Scenario Drivers
* Using the Best Practices Analyzer (BPA)
* Interpreting BPA Results
* Using the Message Tracking Center (MTC)
* Tips and Tricks On How To Troubleshoot Exchange Server 2007
* Errors in Application Event Log
* Protocol Logging
* Event IDs Lookup
* Proactive Tips
Video 27 (45:41)
BONUS! Integrating SharePoint with Exchange Server 2007
Using SharePoint as an endpoint for inbound Exchange mail is a desired solution
in many environments. And knowing the roadmap for building that solution is a valuable
asset.
In this bonus video lesson, we start by looking at how the architectures of Exchange
2007 and SharePoint 2007 are built to integrate with each other.
I will show you how to set up Exchange 2007 to allow Outlook Web Access clients
to browse SharePoint libraries, and how to access SharePoint via Outlook 2007. I will also show you how to make
a SharePoint library a destination for inbound mail, which is a requirement for
organizations that are replacing public folders with SharePoint libraries.
To wrap up the lesson, I reveal points you should consider when planning a migration
of public folder data to SharePoint. I also go over some Best Practices for Exchange
administrators who need to work with SharePoint.
Key Topics:
* SharePoint and Exchange Server 2007 Linked Architectures
* Exchange Server 2007's SharePoint Tie-ins
* SharePoint Folder Access Via Outlook Web Access (OWA)
* SharePoint folder access via Outlook
* Migrating content from Public Folders to SharePoint folders