The Official

CompTIA
Server+
Student Guide
(Exam SK0-005)

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 Course Edition: 1.0

Acknowledgments

Damon Garn, Author

Thomas Reilly, Senior Vice President, Learning
Katie Hoenicke, Senior Director, Product Management
Evan Burns, Senior Manager, Learning Technology Operations and Implementation
James Chesterfield, Manager, Learning Content and Design
Becky Mann, Director, Product Development
Katherine Keyes, Content Specialist

Notices
Disclaimer
While CompTIA, Inc. takes care to ensure the accuracy and quality of these materials, we cannot guarantee their accuracy,
and all materials are provided without any warranty whatsoever, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
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CompTIA®, Server+®, and the CompTIA logo are registered trademarks of CompTIA, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries.
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SK0-005_TTL_ACK_ppi-ii.indd 2 26/04/21 1:41 PM

 Table of Contents | iii

Table of Contents

Lesson 1: Understanding Server Administration Concepts......................................... 1

Topic 1A: Understand Server Administration Concepts...................................XX

Topic 1B: Understand Troubleshooting Methods.............................................XX

Topic 1C: Manage Licenses...................................................................................XX

Lesson 2: Understanding Virtualization and Cloud Computing................................XX

Topic 2A: Understand Virtualization Concepts.................................................XX

Topic 2B: Understanding Cloud Concepts..........................................................XX

Topic 2C: Understand On-Premises versus Cloud Deployments.....................XX

Lesson 3: Understanding Physical and Network Security Concepts........................XX

Topic 3A: Understand Physical Security Concepts............................................XX

Topic 3B: Understand Network Security Concepts...........................................XX

Lesson 4: Managing Physical Assets.............................................................................XX

Topic 4A: Understand Asset Management Concepts........................................XX

Topic 4B: Manage Documentation......................................................................XX

Lesson 5: Managing Server Hardware..........................................................................XX

Topic 5A: Manage the Physical Server................................................................XX

Topic 5B: Administer the Server and Storage....................................................XX

Topic 5C: Troubleshoot Server Hardware..........................................................XX

Lesson 6: Configuring Storage Management...............................................................XX

Topic 6A: Manage Storage....................................................................................XX

Topic 6B: Troubleshoot Storage..........................................................................XX

Table of Contents

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 iv | Table of Contents

Lesson 7: Installing and Configuring an OS..................................................................XX

Topic 7A: Install an Operating System...............................................................XX

Topic 7B: Configure Storage.................................................................................XX

Topic 7C: Configure Network Settings................................................................XX

Topic 7D: Use Scripts to Configure Servers........................................................XX

Lesson 8: Troubleshooting OS, Application, and Network Configurations..............XX

Topic 8A: Troubleshoot an OS and Applications...............................................XX

Topic 8B: Troubleshoot Network Configurations..............................................XX

Lesson 9: Managing Post-Installation Administrative Tasks.....................................XX

Topic 9A: Understand Secure Administration Practices..................................XX

Topic 9B: Manage Server Functions....................................................................XX

Topic 9C: Configure Server Hardening................................................................XX

Lesson 10: Managing Data Security..............................................................................XX

Topic 10A: Understand Data Security Concepts................................................XX

Topic 10B: Manage Data Security........................................................................XX

Topic 10C: Troubleshoot Data Security..............................................................XX

Lesson 11: Managing Service and Data Availability....................................................XX

Topic 11A: Manage Data Backup and Restore...................................................XX

Topic 11B: Manage High Availability...................................................................XX

Topic 11C: Manage Disaster Recovery................................................................XX

Lesson 12: Decommissioning Servers...........................................................................XX

Topic 12A: Decommission Servers......................................................................XX

Appendix A: Mapping Course Content to CompTIA Server+ (Exam SK0-005)..........A-1

Solutions......................................................................................................................... S-1

Glossary ..........................................................................................................................G-1

Index ................................................................................................................................ I-1

Table of Contents

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 About This Course
CompTIA is a not-for-profit trade association with the purpose of advancing the
interests of IT professionals and IT channel organizations; its industry-leading IT
certifications are an important part of that mission. CompTIA's Server+ Certification
is designed for professionals with 18–24 months of work experience in a server
environment, preferably with A+ certification or equivalent foundation.
The CompTIA Server+ exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge
and skills required to install, configure, and manage server hardware and operating
systems (OSs) by implementing proper security controls, successfully troubleshooting
common server problems, and demonstrating an understanding of key disaster
recovery concepts.
comptia.org/certifications/server

Course Description
Course Objectives
This course can benefit you in two ways. If you intend to pass the CompTIA Server+
(Exam SK0-005) certification examination, this course can be a significant part of
your preparation. But certification is not the only key to professional success in
the field of server management. Today's job market demands individuals with
demonstrable skills, and the information and activities in this course can help you
build your sysadmin skill set so that you can confidently perform your duties in any
entry-level server administration role.
On course completion, you will be able to achieve the following:
• Understand server administration concepts.

• Understand virtualization and cloud computing.

• Understand physical and network security concepts.

• Manage physical inventory and assets.

• Manage server hardware.

• Configure storage management.

• Install and configure an OS.

• Troubleshoot OS, application, and network configurations.

• Maintain and manage servers post-installation.

• Manage data security.

• Manage service and data availability.

• Decommission servers.

Target Student
The Official CompTIA Server+ Guide (Exam SK0-005) is the primary course you will
need to take if your job responsibilities include server administration, installation,
and security within your organization. You can take this course to prepare for the
CompTIA Server+ (Exam SK0-005) certification examination.

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 vi | Preface

Prerequisites
To ensure your success in this course, you should have basic IT skills comprising
18 months to two years' experience. CompTIA A+ certification, or the equivalent
knowledge, is strongly recommended.

The prerequisites for this course might differ significantly from the prerequisites for
the CompTIA certification exams. For the most up-to-date information about the exam
prerequisites, complete the form on this page: www.comptia.org/training/resources/
exam-objectives

How to Use the Study Notes

The following notes will help you understand how the course structure and
components are designed to support mastery of the competencies and
tasks associated with the target job roles and help you to prepare to take the
certification exam.

As You Learn
At the top level, this course is divided into Lessons, each representing an area of
competency within the target job roles. Each Lesson is composed of a number of
Topics. A Topic contains subjects that are related to a discrete job task, mapped
to objectives and content examples in the CompTIA exam objectives document.
Rather than follow the exam domains and objectives sequence, Lessons and
Topics are arranged in order of increasing proficiency. Each Topic is intended
to be studied within a short period (typically 30 minutes at most). Each Topic
is concluded by one or more Activities, designed to help you to apply your
understanding of the study notes to practical scenarios and tasks.
In addition to the study content in the Lessons, there is a glossary of the terms and
concepts used throughout the course. There is also an index to assist in locating
particular terminology, concepts, technologies, and tasks within the Lesson and
topic content.

In many electronic versions of the book, you can click links on key words in the Topic
content to move to the associated glossary definition and on page references in
the index to move to that term in the content. To return to the previous location in
the document after clicking a link, use the appropriate functionality in your eBook
viewing software.

Watch throughout the material for the following visual cues.

Student Icon Student Icon Descriptive Text

A Note provides additional information, guidance, or hints about
a Topic or task.

A Caution note makes you aware of places where you need to be

particularly careful with your actions, settings, or decisions so that
you can be sure to get the desired results of an activity or task.

As You Review
Any method of instruction is only as effective as the time and effort you, the
student, are willing to invest in it. In addition, some of the information that you
learn in class may not be important to you immediately, but it may become
important later. For this reason, we encourage you to spend some time reviewing
the content of the course after your time in the classroom.

About This Course

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 Preface | vii

After the lesson content, you will find a table mapping the Lessons and Topics
to the exam domains, objectives, and content examples. You can use this as a
checklist as you prepare to take the exam, and review any content that you are
uncertain about.

As a Reference
The organization and layout of this book make it an easy-to-use resource for future
reference. Guidelines can be used during class and as after-class references when
you're back on the job and need to refresh your understanding. Taking advantage
of the glossary, index, and table of contents, you can use this book as a first source
of definitions, background information, and summaries.

How to Use the CompTIA Learning Center

The CompTIA Learning Center is an intuitive online platform that provides access
to the eBook and all accompanying resources to support The Official CompTIA
curriculum. An access key to the CompTIA Learning Center is delivered upon
purchase of the eBook. Resources include the following:
• Online Reader: An interactive online reader provides the ability to search,
highlight, take notes, and bookmark passages in the eBook. Students can also
access the eBook through the CompTIA Learning Center eReader mobile app.

• Videos: Videos complement the reading by providing short, engaging

demonstrations of key activities in the course.

• Assessments: Practice questions help to verify a student’s understanding of

the material for each Lesson. Answers and feedback can be reviewed after each
question or at the end of the assessment. A timed Final Assessment provides
a practice-test-like experience to help students determine their readiness for
the CompTIA certification exam. Students can review correct answers and full
feedback after attempting the Final Assessment.

• Strengths and Weaknesses Dashboard: The Strengths and Weaknesses

Dashboard provides you with a snapshot of your performance. Data flows
into the dashboard from your practice questions, final assessment scores, and
indicated confidence levels throughout the course.

The CompTIA Learning Center can be accessed at learn.comptia.org.

About This Course

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SK0-005_Preface_ppv-viii.indd 8 26/04/21 4:59 PM
 Lesson 1
Understanding Server
Administration Concepts

LESSON INTRODUCTION
In order to effectively manage servers in an enterprise environment, you must
understand the role of the systems administrator (sysadmin). You must also
understand the differences between servers and workstations and how to manage
the server lifecycle. Troubleshooting is a key skill for sysadmins. A troubleshooting
methodology will make it more efficient to address server and network issues. Finally,
in this lesson, you will learn about licensing models and compare open source and
proprietary software licenses.

Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you will:
• Understand server administration concepts.

• Understand troubleshooting methods.

• Manage licenses.

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 2 | The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005)

Topic 1A
Understand Server
Administration Concepts

EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED

This topic provides background information about the role of server administrators and
does not cover a specific exam objective

The role of the systems administrator is key to understanding the management of

servers. Systems administrators have many different job roles and responsibilities.
You must also understand the difference between workstations and servers. You
will also examine the server lifecycle and the four major subsystems of computers.
Finally, you will compare the two major server operating systems (OSs), Linux and
Windows Server.

Systems Administrator Job Roles and Responsibilities

Systems administrators are responsible for managing the server and network
hardware lifecycles, documentation, and security. The sysadmin may also advise
the business on emerging technologies and may have a role in capacity planning.
The primary skill of a systems administrator is problem-solving. Sysadmins typically
have a variety of skills and work with a wide range of technologies.

Common Sysadmin Responsibilities

• Installing, configuring, and managing server hardware, applications, and network
components

• Managing the server lifecycle

• Monitoring server performance

• Providing capacity planning and growth

• Managing user and group accounts for access control

• Troubleshooting

• Working with other information technology (IT) teams, possibly including the
service desk, developers, desktop support

• Accepting escalated service desk tickets

• Managing disparate technologies, such as databases, virtualization, cloud,

backups, disaster recovery

• Managing network services, such as web, email, name resolution, Internet

protocol (IP) address configuration

• Providing documentation

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 3

• Sharpening communications and presentation skills

• Advising the business on security policies, and implementing those policies

Take a few minutes to research the job descriptions and requirements for several server
administrator jobs to discover a list of common responsibilities.

Sysadmins may possess the following:

• Formal technical training

• Vendor and vendor-neutral certifications

• College degree

• Years of experience

Take a few minutes to research the education and certification requirements for several
server administrator jobs.

Servers Versus Workstations

Sysadmins must differentiate workstation computers and server computers.
Workstations are usually assigned to end users. These devices do not tend to
have redundant hardware and often do not have high-performance capabilities.
Workstations also typically have a client OS installed. These OSs are optimized for
a single user, support single-user applications, and often have a very elegant user
interface. Client OSs include Microsoft Windows 10, Apple macOS, and Ubuntu
Desktop Linux.
Server hardware is designed for high performance and redundancy. Often, a server
includes multiple network interface cards (NICs), power supplies, and HDDs. The
server may also have a great deal of random access memory (RAM) and multiple
powerful central processing units (CPUs). The server’s form factor may be measured
in 1.75 inch (44.45 mm) units that permit it to be installed into standardized server
racks. The server will be 19” wide and one or more units high. Servers typically have
a server OS installed. These OSs are optimized for multiple users, support multiuser
applications, and often have a more streamlined user interface. In fact, some server
OSs do not use a graphical user interface (GUI) at all and instead are managed via
a command-line interface (CLI). Server OSs include Microsoft Windows Server 2019
and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (RHEL).

Workstation Characteristics Server Characteristics

Assigned to end user Secured in a server room
No redundant hardware Redundant hardware
No high-performance hardware High-performance hardware
Client OS optimized for a single user Server operating system optimized for
multiple users
Applications optimized for a single user Applications optimized for multiple users
Elegant graphical user interface Limited or no graphical user interface
Desktop or laptop form factor Rack-mounted form factor
Comparing workstations and servers.

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 4 | The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005)

Workstation Operating Systems Server Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows 10 Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Ubuntu Desktop Linux Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (RHEL 8)
MacOS
Workstation and server OSs.

Workstation and Server Security

Security is another factor that differentiates workstations and servers. End-user
workstations are often exposed on the user’s desk. Laptop computers may be
removed from the business premises entirely. This represents a very significant
security risk of damage, theft, loss, and dataexposure. Servers must be physically
secured. Servers are usually housed in a locked server room that provides physical
protection. They are also regularly backed up and equipped with redundant
hardware to maintain a high degree of availability.
Sysadmins must understand how the different features of servers and server OSs
necessitate a different management approach from end-user workstations.

Server Lifecycle
Server administrators are responsible for the lifecycle of the server. The term
"lifecycle" normally specifies four phases: procurement, usage, end of life, and
disposal/recycling. These phases are covered in more detail later in the course.
At this stage, it useful for you to recognize that the server administrator's role
is to maintain the server through its lifecycle.

Server lifecycle illustration. (Images © 123RF.com)

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 5

The deployment of a server is often referred to as “standing up” the server.

The Four Major Subsystems

Computer systems are specified based on the four major subsystems, which are
also useful measurements for the system’s performance. Servers often require
more available resources than do end-user workstations.
The four subsystems are the following:
• Processor—the CPU represents the amount of processing power the system
has available.

• Memory—the RAM represents storage capacity available to the CPU for quick
access to data.

• Storage—the storage drives represent storage capacity and access speeds

available for the OS and user data.

• Network—the capacity for sending and receiving information across the

network.

Server OSs—Linux and Windows

There are multiple OSs optimized for server roles, but this book focuses on Linux
and Microsoft Windows Server. There are significant differences between the two.

Linux
Linux is actually a very big family of related OSs. Each version of Linux is referred
to as a "distribution" (or "distro"). Each distribution is typically purpose specific.
For example, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is designed to be used in a large-
scale business deployment. Kali Linux is designed to be used in penetration
testing situations.
Linux is licensed under the General Public License (GPL) and is an open-source OS.
That means that the source code that makes up the OS is available to anyone to be
modified and redistributed. The Linux OS is available for free download.

Use a web browser to connect to https://distrowatch.com/ to view the latest Linux

distribution releases.

Most Linux distributions trace their lineage back to either Debian Linux or Red Hat
Linux. The primary difference between the two branches of the Linux family is how
software is managed.

Red Hat Linux Derivatives

• RHEL

• Fedora

• CentOS

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 6 | The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005)

Debian Linux Derivatives

• Debian Linux

• Ubuntu

• Kali

Two common areas of consideration for choosing between Linux and Windows Server
OSs are device driver compatibility and software availability.

Windows Server
The Microsoft Windows Server OS is very common and is closely related to the
Windows desktop OSs. Windows Server is designed to be used in a business setting
to provide centralized administration.
Windows is a closed-source OS. That means that the source code that makes up
the OS is not available to be modified or redistributed. The Windows Server OS is
available for purchase from Microsoft or resellers.

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 7

Review Activity:
Server Administration Concepts
Answer the following questions:

1. List several examples of systems administrator job roles.

2. List at least three differences between workstations and servers.

3. What are the four phases of the server lifecycle?

4. What are the four main subsystems of a computer?

5. What is a Linux distribution?

6. What are the two main branches of the Linux family of distributions?

7. How do these two branches differ?

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 8 | The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005)

Topic 1B
Understand Troubleshooting Methods

EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED

4.1 Explain the troubleshooting theory and methodology

One of the primary skills and duties of a systems administrator is to troubleshoot

problems with servers, the network, and data access. It is important to have a
methodology for troubleshooting. You should also recognize that troubleshooting
methods may change by situation, skill level, and experience with the network
environment.

Troubleshooting Methodology
A formalized and consistent troubleshooting methodology can make identifying
issues and discovering fixes more efficient. While the steps can vary depending
on the actual issue and components involved, there are several universal
troubleshooting steps.
The following list represents the basic steps in a troubleshooting methodology:
• Identify the problem

• Determine the scope of the problem

• Establish a theory of probable cause/question the obvious

• Test the theory to determine the cause

• Establish a plan of action

• Implement the solution or escalate the issue

• Verify full system functionality

• Implement preventive measures

• Perform a root cause analysis

Document findings, actions, and outcomes throughout the process.

Identify the Problem and Determine the Scope

Identify the Problem
The first troubleshooting phase is to identify the problem. The problem may be
discovered for you by the end users you support, exposed by log files, identified by
monitoring software, or indicated by lights on the server. There are many ways in
which the problem may be detected. Once a problem is identified, a service desk
ticket is used to track it.

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 9

Determine the Scope of the Problem

Once a problem is identified, gather additional information to determine the
scope of the problem. Start this process by asking users for additional details or
examining log files. Attempt to replicate the problem by asking users to show you
what they were doing when the problem was encountered, or to try to recreate
the situation where the problem first arose. It is a good practice to back up data
if there is any risk to the data during the troubleshooting phase. You must use
your own judgment as to whether a data backup is necessary before you begin
troubleshooting. Finally, consider whether you have the skills to address the
problem or if you need to escalate the service desk ticket to another administrator.
One of the most important steps is to determine whether the problem exists
on only one server, or on multiple servers. The scope of the problem could be
hardware based and, if so, may be isolated to that device. It could be network
based, in which case, multiple devices may be affected. It could be software based,
such as a misconfiguration or a bug. This also may impact multiple servers.
Example: If one workstation cannot access a file server, but all other workstations
can, the problem likely lies with that workstation. If many workstations cannot
access the file server, the problem likely lies with that server or with the network
between the workstations and the server.

Note: In Linux, the log file service is named "rsyslog." In Windows, the log file service is
named "Event Viewer."

Establish and Test a Theory of Probable Cause

Establish a Theory of Probable Cause/Question the Obvious
The next troubleshooting phase is to establish a probable cause for the problem.
It is essential to keep this step as simple as possible. Newer administrators may be
tempted to believe that because the server and network are complex, the problem
must also be complex. Troubleshooting often begins with very simple steps, such as
confirming that the system is plugged in and powered on. More complex problems
may require you to examine log files, talk to users or other administrators, or check
the hardware.
When troubleshooting, identify any common elements or similar problems that
might span multiple servers or network devices. Such common elements might
include a new or updated piece of software, a new device driver, or a new
configuration.
Check for any recent changes to the environment. These changes may have been
implemented by another IT staff member or a stakeholder, such as a manager or
other user. Recent changes are common culprits for issues.

Test the Theory to Determine the Cause

Next, test the theory by verifying that the likely cause is indeed the culprit. This
phase involves research or other testing. Very simple problems may actually be
solved during this step. If your theory is confirmed, then move on to the next phase,
which is to establish a plan of action. If your theory is not confirmed, then you must
establish and test a new theory.

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 10 | The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005)

Establish and Implement a Plan of Action

Establish a Plan of Action
The plan of action for addressing the problem must recognize that service
interruptions and data loss should be avoided. If a server needs to be brought
down to replace hardware, or if data has been lost due to a HDD failure, the end
users must be notified. The plan of action defines the steps to be taken. These steps
should be defined ahead of time rather than created during the implementation of
the solution. It is useful to provide the impacted users with an expected duration of
the outage.

Implement the Solution or Escalate

In this phase, follow the plan of action established earlier. It is important not to
deviate from the plan. You may not have the knowledge to implement the plan and
need to escalate the problem to the vendor’s support team or other members of your
own team.
When following a plan of action, be sure to only make one change at a time, and
then test the result. If you make multiple changes simultaneously, it is difficult to
identify exactly which change corrected the problem. If a given change does not
solve the problem, reverse that change, and then try another option.

Verify, Prevent, Analyze, and Document

Verify Full System Functionality
Once the potential solution has been implemented, the next phase is to test for
functionality. Your goal is to ensure that the server has returned to the service
levels that are defined by the system parameters. The server performance baseline
that you performed during the deployment portion of the server lifecycle will be
very useful as a comparison.

Implement Preventive Measures

It may be possible to preemptively reconfigure other servers to avoid a repeat of
the same problem. It may also be possible to implement additional technologies
(such as a redundant array of independent/ inexpensive disks [RAID]) or additional
practices (such as backups) to prevent future instances of failure. In some cases,
additional training or documentation may also be necessary.

Perform a Root Cause Analysis

Once service is restored to your users, it is time to evaluate why the problem
occurred. Identifying the root cause permits you to change processes or implement
different technologies to avoid the problem in the future.

Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes Throughout

the Process
Documentation is maintained throughout the server’s lifecycle, including during
the troubleshooting process. Documenting the symptoms of the problem, the
results of research into potential solutions, and the results of each step of the plan
of action (whether the step was successful or not) permits you to understand your
environment better and therefore helps to prevent possible future problems. Note
that documentation is not a separate step but rather a good practice used during
each phase of the troubleshooting process.

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 11

Some service desk management software requires the use of tickets. Such software may
require that troubleshooting documentation be entered before the ticket can be closed.

Guidelines for Troubleshooting Methods

• Troubleshooting is a key skill for systems administrators.

• A troubleshooting methodology makes the process more efficient and accurate.

• A troubleshooting methodology may change somewhat depending on the

situation.

• The following steps suggest a likely troubleshooting methodology:

• Identify the problem

• Determine the scope

• Establish a theory of probable cause/question the obvious

• Test the theory to determine the cause

• Establish a plan of action/implement the solution or escalate

• Verify full system functionality

• Implement preventive measures

• Perform a root cause analysis

• Document findings, actions, and outcomes throughout the process

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 12 | The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005)

Review Activity:
Discuss a Troubleshooting
Methodology
Answer the following questions:

1. While troubleshooting a printing problem with a network print device,

you check to see that the print device is powered, is turned on, has
paper, and does not have an alarm indicating that the paper path
is jammed. Which step of the troubleshooting methodology are you
applying?

2. While troubleshooting a permissions issue on a file server, you check to

verify that a user that should be able to access a particular folder can
access that folder. You also check that a user that should not be able to
access the folder cannot access it. It appears that you have successfully
solved the permissions issue. Which step of the troubleshooting
methodology are you applying?

3. The service desk escalates a ticket to you that indicates a user cannot
access any network servers or any websites. While troubleshooting,
you ask several employees near the user whether they can access the
network servers and websites. Those users all indicate that they can
access the requested resources. You have now determined that only
one user is experiencing issues. Which step of the troubleshooting
methodology are you applying?

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 13

Topic 1C
Manage Licenses

EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED

2.8 Explain licensing concepts

One of the responsibilities of a sysadmin is to properly understand and maximize

software licensing. This can be a complex task, but it is an essential one. In the next
section, you will compare open-source and proprietary licenses and investigate
license models.

Licenses Versus Maintenance and Support

A software license is a legal contract that governs the distribution and use of
software. Licenses typically define how many installations of the software are
allowed or how many concurrent users are allowed to use the software.
Software is governed by two different licensing structures. The first is the traditional
proprietary software license. This license protects the source code of the software
from modification or redistribution. The second type of license governs free
and open-source software (FOSS). Open-source software may be modified and
redistributed within the terms defined by the license. Microsoft Windows Server is
governed by a proprietary license, and Linux is governed by an FOSS license.
FOSS licensing—a licensing model where users are free to use, modify, and re-
release software voluntarily manner to improve the software.
• No cost

• Free to modify and redistribute

• Not necessarily reliable vendor support

• Not necessarily reliable documentation

Proprietary—a licensing model where the source code for the software is hidden,
and users are not allowed to freely modify and rerelease the software. Proprietary
software may also have an associated purchase cost. Proprietary licenses may be
subscription or volume based.
• Not free to use

• Not free to modify

• More likely reliable vendor support

• More likely reliable documentation

While FOSS does not require a formal license, many vendors utilize a subscription
service to maintain the OS or software. Red Hat, for example, has a subscription
service associated with RHEL8.

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Earlier in the lesson you used a web browser to connect to https://distrowatch.com/ to

view the latest Linux distribution releases. Reconnect to Distrowatch and select one of
the distributions. Observe that you can download the distribution for free.

Maintenance and Support Plans

It is important not to confuse the licensing and maintenance concepts. Just because
you have the legal right to use a piece of software or install an OS does not
necessarily entitle you to vendor support for the product. Some licensing models
may include support. Subscription license models are an example. Support plans
are covered later in the book.

Licensing Models
There are many different license models. Licensing varies between on-premises and
cloud solutions, OSs, applications, virtualization technologies, and even number of
users. The following list is a summary of some common license types:
• Subscription—a license that permits the use of software hosted in the cloud.
Subscription licenses are billed yearly or monthly. They may include support
costs as part of the subscription.
• Volume licensing—a single license that covers a specified number of installations
for the convenience of large businesses. This model simplifies the license
management process.
• Per-instance—one license for each instance of the software installed. If you run
twenty copies of the software, you will need twenty licenses.
• Per-concurrent-user—one license for each software instance in use by a user.
This is typically less expensive than per-seat licensing. If your organization has
ten of these licenses, and there are twenty copies of the software installed, then
only ten users may use the software simultaneously.
• Per-seat license—one license for each potential user of the software. This is
typically more expensive than per-concurrent-user licensing.
• Per-server—client access licenses (CALs) installed on the server. The number
of licenses determines the number of simultaneous connections that clients
may make to the server. A server with ten per-server CALs will permit up to ten
simultaneous client connections.
• Per-socket—licenses allocated to each processor socket that is enabled on the
server’s motherboard. It is important to note that the motherboard may contain
more sockets than are licensed, but the extra sockets are disabled.
• Per-core—licenses allocated to each processor core that is enabled on the CPU.
It is important to note that the CPU may contain more cores than are licensed,
but the extra cores are disabled.
• Site-based—licenses that permit the installation of software within a specified
site, building, or organization.
• Node-locked—licenses stored on a single node or on a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
dongle, and any number of instances of the software may run on that node. The
goal is to permit the software to run only on one computer.

• Physical vs. virtual—not all licenses apply the same way between physical
installations on a server and installations that are done on VMs. You need to
further investigate the licenses when dealing with VMs.

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 15

Consider the possible complexity of managing licenses in a small organization.

If your organization has five Windows Server installations, you need a license for
each installation. If your organization also has 100 Windows 10 clients, you need
100 licenses for your Windows 10 installations. You also need CALs to permit the
Windows 10 clients to connect to the Windows Server servers. Those CALs may be
managed in a per-set or per-server model. In addition, you still need to account for
the licensing of all software that runs on the servers and the clients. One piece of
software installed on your servers may use per-socket licensing, while another piece
of software may use per-core licensing.
Your organization must be able to prove license compliance if it is audited.
"License count validation" refers to the ability to demonstrate that the number
of installations or the number of users matches the license specifications. If
a company exceeds the number of installations for which it has a license, the
company must purchase the appropriate number of licenses to “true up” its
compliance. Microsoft, for example, may audit organizations to ensure that
they are compliant and then require those organizations to true up.

Electronic Signatures
In many cases, you may be required to provide a digital signature or e-signature
acknowledging a license agreement. Organizations such as DocuSign provide
electronic signing options for licenses, contacts, and other legal agreements.

The digital signatures referenced in this section are not the same thing as the digital
signature function found with the Public Key Infrastructure. In this case, the focus is
on signatures for legal documents.

Version Compatibility
Licenses may permit users to use a specified software version and any version
previous to that one. For example, a current software license for version three of
a software package might also enable the use of versions one and two. This is an
example of license backward compatibility. Licenses that are forward compatible
permit the use of the current software version and one or more future releases of
the software.
As a systems administrator, you must understand the license requirements for OSs
and software to ensure that your organization remains compliant. There can be
legal and financial penalties for failing to maintain proper licensing.

Guidelines for Managing Licenses

• Remember that FOSS licensing allows for the modification of source code and
the distribution of the modified software.

• Remember that proprietary licensing does not permit modification of the source
code.

• Determine a means to track licenses to ensure compliance.

• Understand the licensing methods, and recognize that a vendor may offer
several license models.

• Understand whether a license includes maintenance and support.

• Cloud-based services often utilize a subscription-based licensing model.

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Review Activity:
Licenses
Answer the following question:

1. List at least three attributes of FOSS licensing and at least three

attributes of proprietary licensing.

2. Anne, a developer, creates a piece of software named "SuperSolver" and

licenses the software as open source. She places the source code and the
compiled software executable on her website. John, another developer,
downloads the source code for SuperSolver and modifies the code to add
several new features. He places the modified source code on his website.
This is an example of what kind of licensing?

3. You are a systems administrator, and you are responsible for managing the
licenses for a piece of cloud-based software. Currently, you have 100 users
that access the software. Your organization is billed monthly for these
users. Your organization hires an additional 50 users who also need access.
You increase your licenses by using a web-based management tool. You
also notice that the vendor has automatically given your users access to
the newly released 2.0 version of the software. This is an example of what
kind of licensing?

4. You are systems administrator, and you are responsible for managing
the license for a piece of server-based software. The software license
requires you to pay based on the number of physical CPUs enabled on
the server’s motherboard. This is an example of what kind of license?

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 The Official CompTIA Server+ Student Guide (Exam SK0-005) | 17

Lesson 1
Summary
Systems administrators have a broad range of responsibilities. The sysadmin's
role includes understanding the server's place in the network as a component
that provides services to end-user workstations or remote clients and requires
a high degree of security. Effectively troubleshooting servers calls for a reliable
troubleshooting methodology that quickly narrows the scope of the problem and
helps to prevent future issues. Sysadmins are also responsible for licensing, which
can become complex very quickly. Frequently, server environments rely on a mix of
proprietary licenses, as with Microsoft Windows Server, and open-source licenses,
aswith Linux distributions, such as RHEL or Ubuntu.
1. Compare and contrast proprietary licensing versus open source. What
are the benefits and drawbacks of each?

2. In what circumstances have you applied the troubleshooting method

discussed in this Lesson?

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