Windows Server Remote Administration Tools
Windows Server 2008 can be remotely administered in a number of ways. You can download the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) from the Microsoft download centre here
RSAT requires Winodws Vista with a minimum of service pack 1. If you want to administer Server 2008 from Windows XP you need to use AdminPak available from here
You can also administer Server 2008 from another Windows 2008 Server using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
For this post I have configured a Windows 2008 domain and added a Windows Vista client (with SP1) to the domain, I have also configured a Server Core installation as a member server and installed the DNS server role using the SmartX CoreConfigurator. Begin by installing RSAT on the Vista client and then go to Programs and Features under control panel and click on Turn Windows features on and off. The dialog below will appear we should now select the Administration tools that we require (in this case DNS) checking all of the tools increases the attack surface.
To see the new DNS administration tool on the Start menu or Program Files right click on the Start menu icon and select properties in the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog click the Start Menu tab and select Customise in the Customise Start menu dialog scroll down to the bottom and select Display on the All programs menu under System administrative tools (or Display on the All Programs menu and the Start Menu if you prefer)
You can now go to Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > DNS and a dialog will appear asking you to connect to a DNS server. Just type the name of the server in the box and now you can administer Windows Server 2008 Core DNS role from a more familiar GUI.
