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SK0-004 · Question #654

After installing the operating system on a new server, which of the following best practices should be completed before joining the server to the domain? (Choose two.)

The correct answer is A. Create a configuration and performance baseline D. Ensure all latest security patches are installed. Establishing a baseline and applying all security patches are the two critical best practices to complete after OS install and before domain join.

Server administration

Question

After installing the operating system on a new server, which of the following best practices should be completed before joining the server to the domain? (Choose two.)

Options

  • ACreate a configuration and performance baseline
  • BGive the server a non-standard hostname so it is not recognized
  • CInstall all roles and applications that may be needed
  • DEnsure all latest security patches are installed
  • EDetach network cables and ensure power is on redundant PDUs

How the community answered

(26 responses)
  • A
    85% (22)
  • B
    4% (1)
  • C
    4% (1)
  • E
    8% (2)

Why each option

Establishing a baseline and applying all security patches are the two critical best practices to complete after OS install and before domain join.

ACreate a configuration and performance baselineCorrect

Creating a configuration and performance baseline immediately after OS installation captures a clean reference state - CPU, memory, disk, and network metrics - that serves as the authoritative comparison point for future troubleshooting and capacity planning before domain policies or applications alter the system state.

BGive the server a non-standard hostname so it is not recognized

Using a non-standard hostname for obscurity is not a recognized security best practice and complicates DNS registration, domain join, and asset management without providing real security benefit.

CInstall all roles and applications that may be needed

Installing all roles and applications that may be needed violates the principle of minimal footprint - only required roles should be deployed to reduce the server attack surface.

DEnsure all latest security patches are installedCorrect

Installing all current security patches before domain join ensures the server has no known unpatched vulnerabilities, preventing it from being exploited or compromising other domain-joined systems the moment it joins the production network.

EDetach network cables and ensure power is on redundant PDUs

Detaching network cables is counterproductive because network connectivity is typically required to download and apply security patches before domain join.

Concept tested: Server pre-domain join hardening and baseline best practices

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/security-and-assurance

Topics

#OS hardening#security patches#configuration baseline#server deployment

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