The following are a set of tips & best practices on how to implement and manage a windows server system:
- Insist on using licensed software. This will entitle you to updates from Microsoft. Also, be aware that many unlicensed softwares contain malware.
- A well configured firewall is critical for running a server.
- Disable all services on the server that are not absolutely necessary to minimize security risks. (Such as FTP, etc)
- If you are running a mail server, disable open mail relaying as this is often abused by spammers; which can lead to your IP being blacklisted.
- Update and patch the server regularly
- Common telnet commands include close(used to close a connection), display (displays operating parameters), open (connect to a server), quit (exit), ?/help (print help information)