Windows Server 2008 R2 Tutorial -

: Boot from your installation media and follow the prompts to select your language and keyboard layout.

While Windows Server 2008 R2 reached its on January 14, 2020, and concluded its final extended security updates in early 2023, it remains a common legacy environment for learning the fundamentals of Windows Server administration. Initial Setup and Installation

: Choose between "Full Installation" (Standard/Enterprise) for a graphical interface or "Server Core" for a command-line-only footprint.

: To create a new user, navigate to Active Directory Users and Computers . Right-click an Organizational Unit (OU), select New > User , and follow the wizard to set login names and passwords.

: If you are using the server as a workstation or prefer the Windows 7 look, you can enable the Desktop Experience feature and apply "Aero" themes. Key Considerations