Introduction
Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, & Networking is designed to be a concise and compulsively usable resource for Windows administrators, developers, and programmers, and for anyone else who wants to use the storage, security, and networking features of Windows 8.1. This is the readable resource guide that you’ll want on your desk or in your pocket at all times. The book discusses everything you need to perform core tasks. Because the focus is on providing you with the maximum value in a pocket-sized guide, you don’t have to wade through hundreds of pages of extraneous information to find what you’re looking for. Instead, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done.
In short, the book is designed to be the one resource you consult whenever you have questions regarding storage, security, and networking in Windows 8.1. To this end, the book concentrates on configuration options, frequently used tasks, documented examples, and options that are representative but not necessarily inclusive. One of the goals is to keep the content so concise that the book remains compact and easy to navigate while ensuring that the book is packed with as much information as possible—making it a valuable resource.
Anyone transitioning to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8 might be surprised at just how much has been updated, because changes both subtle and substantial have been made throughout the operating system. For anyone transitioning from Windows 7 or earlier, the extensive user interface (UI) changes will be among the most substantial revisions to the operating system. Like Windows 8, Windows 8.1 supports a touch UI, in addition to the traditional mouse and keyboard. When you are working with touch-enabled computers, you can manipulate on-screen elements in ways that weren’t possible previously. You can do any of the following:
Tap Tap an item by touching it with your finger. A tap or double-tap of elements on the screen generally is the equivalent of a mouse click or double-click.
Press and hold Press your finger down and leave it there for a few seconds. Pressing and holding elements on the screen generally is the equivalent of a right-click.
Swipe to select Slide an item a short distance in the opposite direction compared to how the page scrolls. This selects the item and might also bring up related commands. If press and hold doesn’t display commands and options for an item, try using swipe to select instead.
Swipe from edge (slide in from edge) Starting from the edge of the screen, swipe or slide in. Sliding in from the right edge displays the charms. Sliding in from the left edge shows open apps and allows you to switch between them easily. Sliding in from the top or bottom edge shows commands for the active element.
Pinch Touch an item with two or more fingers, and then move the fingers toward each other. Pinching zooms out.
Stretch Touch an item with two or more fingers, and then move the fingers away from each other. Stretching zooms in.
You also are able to enter text by using the on-screen keyboard. Although the UI changes are substantial, they aren’t the most significant changes to the operating system. The most significant changes are below the surface, affecting the underlying architecture and providing many new features. Some of these features are revolutionary in that they forever change the way we use Windows.
Who is this book for?
The focus of Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, & Networking is on the Standard, Professional, and Enterprise editions of Windows 8.1. The book is designed for the following readers:
Accomplished users who are looking to configure and maintain Windows 8.1
Current Windows system administrators and support staff
Administrators upgrading to Windows 8.1 from earlier releases of Windows
Administrators transferring from other platforms
To pack in as much information as possible, I had to assume that you have basic networking skills and a basic understanding of Windows operating systems. As a result, I don’t devote entire chapters to understanding Windows basics, Windows architecture, or Windows networks. I do, however, cover firmware management, boot configuration data, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), BitLocker Drive Encryption, Storage Spaces, Work Folders, and much more. The book also goes into depth on troubleshooting, and I’ve tried to ensure that each chapter, where appropriate, has troubleshooting guidelines and discussions to accompany the main text. From the start, troubleshooting advice is integrated into the book, instead of being captured in a single, catchall troubleshooting chapter inserted as an afterthought. I hope that after you read these chapters and dig into the details, you’ll be able to improve the overall experience of your users and reduce problems.
How is this book organized?
Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was this book intended to be read in a day, in a week, or even in a month. Ideally, you’ll read this book at your own pace, a little each day as you work your way through. This book is organized into 10 chapters. The chapters are arranged in a logical order, taking you from boot configuration and startup to drive encryption, storage configuration, data access, and networking optimization.
Ease of reference is an essential part of this hands-on guide. This book has an expanded table of contents and an extensive index for finding answers to problems quickly. Many other quick-reference features have also been added to the book, including quick step-by-step procedures, lists, tables with fast facts, and extensive cross references.
Although designed and written to stand on its own, this book can also be used with Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Essentials & Configuration by William R. Stanek (Microsoft Press, 2013). The latter book focuses on deployment, installation, configuration, optimization, maintenance, and much more.
Conventions used in this book
I’ve used a variety of elements to help keep the text clear and easy to follow. You’ll find code listings in monospace type, except when I tell you to actually enter a command. In that case, the command appears in bold type, as does any text that the user is supposed to enter. When I introduce and define a new term, I put it in italics.
Other conventions include the following:
Best Practices To examine the best technique to use when working with advanced configuration and maintenance concepts
Caution To warn you about potential problems
Important To highlight important concepts and issues
More Info To provide more information on a subject
Note To provide additional details on a particular point that needs emphasis
Real World To provide real-world advice when discussing advanced topics
Security Alert To point out important security issues
Tip To offer helpful hints or additional information
I truly hope you find that Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, & Networking provides everything that you need to perform the essential tasks on Windows 8.1 systems as quickly and efficiently as possible. You are welcome to send your thoughts to me at [email protected]. Thank you.
Other resources
No single magic bullet for learning everything you’ll ever need to know about Windows 8.1 exists. Even though some books are offered as all-in-one guides, there’s just no way one book can do it all. With this in mind, I hope you use this book as it is intended to be used—as a concise and easy-to-use resource. It covers everything you need to perform essential storage, networking, and security tasks, but it is by no means exhaustive.
Your current knowledge will largely determine your success with this or any other Windows resource or book. As you encounter new topics, take the time to practice what you’ve learned and read about. Seek out further information as necessary to get the practical hands-on know-how and knowledge you need.
For topics this book doesn’t cover, you might want to look to Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Essentials & Configuration. I also recommend that you regularly visit the Microsoft website for Windows (microsoft.com/windows/) and support.microsoft.com to stay current with the latest changes. To help you get the most out of this book, you can visit my corresponding website at pocket-consultant.com. This site contains information about Windows 8.1 and updates to the book.
Errata and book support
We’ve made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this book and its companion content. Any errors that have been reported since this book was published are listed at:
http://aka.ms/Win81APC_SSN/errata
If you find an error that is not already listed, you can report it to us through the same page.
If you need additional support, email Microsoft Press Book Support at:
Please note that product support for Microsoft software is not offered through the addresses above.
We want to hear from you
At Microsoft Press, your satisfaction is our top priority, and your feedback is our most valuable asset. Please tell us what you think of this book at:
The survey is short, and we read every one of your comments and ideas. Thanks in advance for your input!
Stay in touch
Let’s keep the conversation going! We’re on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MicrosoftPress.